The Big Man Walk – 400 Miles for Mental Health & Dog Rescue

Our Story:

Hi, I'm Dan (aka @ChinUpBigMan), and this is my dog Elsie.

On Monday 26th May 2025, we’re starting a 30-day journey on foot — walking over 400 miles from Derby and across the Midlands (in a huge loop) — to raise funds and awareness for men’s mental health and dog welfare.

We’re calling it: The Big Man Walk.

And we need your help to make it count.

Why I’m Walking:

I’ve spent years battling my weight and self-worth alongside my mental health.

This walk is more than physical — it’s about showing what’s possible when you stop hiding and start healing. I want to lose weight, reconnect with the world, and most importantly, show other men they’re not alone.

Walking and talking are two of the best ways to recover, and they are free!

This isn’t just about me — it’s for:

The men who don’t know how to ask for help

The dogs still waiting for their second chance

The communities who need a reason to believe again

Who We’re Raising For...

Funds will be shared between:

The Burnt Chef Project – mental health support across hospitality

Andy’s Man Club – life-saving support groups for men

Jerry Green Dog Rescue – rehoming dogs in need

We’ll also support The Wellies Project in Sudbury, where my mum volunteers, a mental health charity for adults, focusing on activity and outdoor-based therapies.

How You Can Help:

Donate here — even £1 makes a difference.

Share this page — let’s make noise across the UK.

Walk With Us – join us for a mile or more, virtually or in person, we will share our full route plan and new location every day.

Use #TheBigManWalk or tag @ChinUpBigMan when you post your own walk — and help us reach our community goal or hopefully, way more:

500 total miles walked together or can we make it 1000s

Track Our Journey:

I’ll be sharing daily updates and our location on Instagram and TikTok via @ChinUpBigMan — real talk, real miles, and a very real mission.

Where Your Money Goes:

We’re committed to full transparency — and to making every pound count.

90% of all funds raised will be split equally between our three chosen causes:

30% – The Burnt Chef Project

30% – Andy’s Man Club

30% – Jerry Green Dog Rescue

10% of funds will be allocated toward essential walk logistics, including:

We are also reaching out to local businesses along the route to support us with food, accommodation and provisions, to help keep costs down and raise more for the cause.

If the 10% raised exceeds what is needed, any unused funds will be re-added to the total donation pot and split between the charities.

Any remaining costs not covered by donations will be paid for personally by me.

At the end of the walk, we’ll publish a full breakdown of walk expenses — so every supporter knows exactly how their money was used.

Thank You

This walk could change my life.

But more importantly, it could help save others.

Let’s walk and talk this out — one mile, one man (or person), and one wag at a time.

Daniel Edwards (and Elsie "woof")

#TheBigManWalk

#ChinUpBigMan