The Way of the Gull Mission – Raising Funds for James’ Place

If this page reaches just one person who chooses to keep going because they realise they’re not alone, then every single mile of this journey will have been worth it.

On 10th August 2026, I’ll be setting off on my biggest challenge of the year.

I’ll begin by walking from my home in Liverpool to the ferry terminal before travelling to the Isle of Man, where I’ll immediately begin walking the entire Raad ny Foillan (The Way of the Gull) Coastal Route.

Over the course of the expedition, I’ll cover approximately 120 miles.

This isn’t just another endurance challenge.

This journey is dedicated to the memory of my close friend, Connor “Lavo” Laverty, who we sadly lost following his battle with mental health.

Connor, or “Lavo” as everyone knew him, was like a little brother to me.

We grew up together—from playing “off-ground tick” because the floor was lava, to primary school, where I bottled our Year 4, 5 and 6 production of Rockerfella. Connor stepped in with barely an hour to learn the lines, walked onto that stage with his trademark cheeky smile and absolutely smashed it.

As we got older, the conversations became less about games and more about life, the future and trying to make a difference.

Connor supported many of my charity events over the years and, not long before he passed away, he told me he wanted to take on this challenge with me.

Whether he’d actually have made all 120 miles is another question❤️

But one thing I do know is he’d have made everyone around him smile along the way.

Wherever you are, lad, I hope you’ve found the peace you deserved and that big smile is still lighting up every room.

This one’s for you.

Love you always, Neph. ❤️

With the blessing of Connor’s family, every penny donated through this GoFundMe will go directly to James’ Place, helping provide life-saving suicide prevention support for men experiencing suicidal crisis.

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Why I’m Doing This

Like many people, I’ve had my own struggles and experienced some incredibly dark periods in my life.

Adventure changed my life.

Now I’ve dedicated my life to helping it change someone else’s.

Over the past few years I’ve:

* Walked over 2,000 miles across America wearing Crocs to raise awareness for men’s mental health.

* Completed the Welsh 3000s and numerous crazy endurance challenges across the UK and internationally.

* Travelled across several countries carrying out charitable acts, bringing communities together and restoring hope where it may have been lost.

* Built an online community that has generated over 6 million views through authentic storytelling and adventure.

* Founded Boz Cares, supporting people through wellbeing walks, community projects, homelessness initiatives and anonymously helping families in need.

Everything I do is built around one simple belief:

The world is bigger than the place people often feel trapped in.

This mission is another step in that journey.

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Why James’ Place?

Suicide doesn’t just affect one person.

It leaves families, friends and entire communities trying to make sense of something that often feels impossible to understand.

James’ Place provides life-saving support to men experiencing suicidal crisis before it’s too late.

With Connor’s family’s blessing, they asked for every penny raised through this fundraiser to be donated to James’ Place, so together we can help give other families hope and help save lives.

If this challenge helps just one more person access that support, then every mile will have been worth walking.

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Where Your Donation Goes

Every donation made through this GoFundMe will be donated directly to James’ Place.

The costs of completing the expedition itself are being covered separately through business partnerships and sponsorship. If this is something you want more information on give me a message my socials are below ⬇️

That means every donation made here is helping support the incredible work carried out by James’ Place.

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How You Can Help

If you’re able to donate—no matter how big or small—thank you.

If you’re unable to donate, simply sharing this page with your friends, family or across social media would mean just as much.

Every share reaches someone new.

Every donation helps save lives.

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Follow the Journey

Throughout the expedition I’ll be going live & sharing updates, photos and videos across my social media so you can follow every step of the journey.

Instagram & TikTok: @backpackboz_

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Thank You

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Thank you to every single person who donates, shares this page or supports this mission in any way.

This isn’t just about one walk.

It’s about honouring Connor’s memory, supporting James’ Place and reminding people that no matter how difficult life may feel, there is always hope and there are always people who care.

Together, we can make a real difference.

Changing lives, one step at a time.

Callum Ball

Founder | BackpackBoz & Boz Cares