The Journey: 26km, 20kg, 1 Mission for GCA & Youth Mental Health

The Challenge: 17th March | 26 Kilometres | 20 Kilogram Pack

Many of you know me as the Pastoral Manager at GCA, but before that, I was a soldier for 22 years. In the army, "marching" with a heavy pack was where I found my grit and mental clarity. Now, I want to bring that same resilience to our school grounds to support our students and two incredible charities: Child Action North West and PAPYRUS, as well as for the students at Garstang Community Academy.

On Tuesday, March 17th, I’ll be stepping back into my boots for a different kind of mission. Starting before the sun rises over Garstang Community Academy (GCA) and aiming to finish by the final bell, I will be marching 26km around the school grounds—all while carrying a 20kg weighted pack on my back.

From the Frontline to the Playground

As a former soldier, "marching" (or rucking) was more than just a fitness drill. It was a time for quiet reflection while the body was under extreme stress. It taught me that mental and physical resilience aren't things you're born with; they are built through sweat, sacrifice, and the refusal to quit.

Now, in my role as Pastoral Manager at GCA, I see our young people facing their own "heavy packs" every day. Whether it's mental health struggles or the challenges of modern life, our students are navigating a tough landscape. I want to lead by example. I want to show them that when we work for a cause bigger than ourselves, we can achieve great things—no matter how heavy the load.

Who Are We Marching For?

Every penny raised will be split between three causes that are incredibly close to my heart and my professional life:

Child Action North West (CANW): Providing vital services to children and families across the region to ensure every child has a creative and happy future.

PAPYRUS: A UK charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide, offering support and hope to those struggling with life’s darkest moments.

The Students of GCA: A portion of the funds will go directly back into our school to further improve the "lived experience" of our students—funding rewards, extra support, and resources to make school a place where every child can thrive.

How You Can Help

I’ll be doing the heavy lifting on the 17th, but I need your help to reach the finish line. Whether it’s £5 or £50, your donation goes directly toward supporting the mental health and well-being of the next generation.

If you’re near GCA on the day, give me a wave (or a coffee!) as I trudge around the perimeter. Let’s show our students what resilience looks like in action.

Thank you for joining me on The Journey.