On May 4th, 2026, I will set off on the Wainwright Coast to Coast — a 192-mile walk from St Bees on the Irish Sea to Robin Hood’s Bay on the North Sea, crossing three National Parks: the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North York Moors. I’ll be completing this challenge in just 12 days.

This isn’t just a physical challenge — it’s deeply personal.
I work at The Royal Oak in Boothstown, who are massively supporting me with this journey. I’ll be taking cash donations there, as well as fundraising here on JustGiving.

Why I’m doing this
I’ve chosen to support Mind in Manchester because I truly believe in backing charities where the impact is real and local. Mental health is something I’ve lived with for most of my life — and it’s something that still isn’t talked about enough.

At 11 years old, I sadly lost my mum. Trying to understand and cope with that level of grief at such a young age left me feeling incredibly lonely, even though I was surrounded by people who loved me. Looking back, that moment was the starting point of my depression — something I battled throughout my teenage years while navigating school, puberty, and trying to find my own way to cope.

In my mid-20s, my mental health took another sharp decline following some health issues. I was fighting both physical and mental pain, and I no longer recognised myself. I became withdrawn, pushed people away, and lived with constant thoughts of self-harm — thoughts I couldn’t control. It felt like I was a passenger in my own body, with no hands on the wheel.

Depression stripped away my confidence, my energy, and my sense of self. At my lowest point, I did turn to suicide and what saved me was having the right people around me — people who listened, cared, and understood.

Why your support matters
Mental health struggles don’t just disappear — even 24 years on, it’s something I continue to live with, as many others will understand. That’s why I’ve chosen to support Mind in Manchester, my hometown, where vital work is being done every day.

There is still a huge stigma around mental health — especially for men — and too many people are suffering in silence.
If you can donate anything at all, you’ll be helping Mind continue to support people when they need it most.

Your support could genuinely save a life.
Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting this journey ❤️