Rory’s Walk of Britain for the Samaritans

 

What’s this all about then?

 

On August 20th, I set out on a mission to hike the entire length and breadth of the UK—around 1,600 miles in total. I’m doing this to raise money for Samaritans, an essential charity that supports countless people facing mental health challenges each year. This is also a charity that has helped me during a time in my life where I believed I had nowhere else to turn. They were essential to reminding me (and many others like me every day) that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

I have struggled with my mental health since I was 16, often going through depressive episodes so severe that they eventually contributed to me dropping out of university and leaving a job that I loved.

On my 26th birthday, I hit a real low point and felt completely out of touch with myself. It’s taken eight months of reflection, growth, and perseverance, but I’m finally starting to feel like myself again. During this time, I had regular nurse visits, therapy, and did my best to focus on the positive aspects of life. I soon found that walking and being out in nature, along with medication and therapy, help with me to keep on top of my mental wellbeing.

The hardest thing a person can do is ask for help. It isn’t a sign of weakness. If you are struggling, there are some brilliant people, like those that work with the Samaritans.

Walking Britain may be challenging, but I hope it will also be personally rewarding, and in the process, I’d love to raise money for the Samaritans, a charity that was there for me when I didn’t feel like I had anywhere else to turn.

I plan on walking 10 miles per day for 160 days. The walk will begin at John O’Groats and finish at Lands End. On the way I shall pass through the ancient and medieval defences of Britian. These include the Antonine Wall, Offa’s Dyke, and Hadrian’s Wall. 

I shall have some well-earned and well-needed rest breaks throughout the year but intend to complete the walk by February 2025.

 

How Can You Help?

Please consider donating to the Samaritans, sharing your own struggle with mental health, or both. The Samaritans are open24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and they answer a call for help every 10 seconds. Samaritans has been training volunteers to provide emotional support to people for over 70 years.

Thanks,

Rory Walker