The 1,600-Mile Walk for Change: A Journey of Healing, Hope, and Connection

Why This Walk Matters – A Personal Mission for Change

In summer 2025, I will embark on a 1,600-mile solo walk across the full length of the UK and Ireland—a journey that is deeply personal and filled with purpose. This walk is about raising awareness for the critical issues surrounding mental health, neurodiversity, suicide prevention, and substance misuse. It will shine a light on the struggles within the music industry, communities, students in schools, colleges, and universities. But it’s not just about statistics—it’s about real people, their stories, and the power of community, support, and music.

This is not a race, nor is it about personal achievement. This is a mission to spark change, open conversations, and build connections. No one has ever done this walk before, and I will walk with no money, relying on the generosity of others who have a passion for change, music, and support. Along the way, I will forge connections with people who share in this vision.

While this is a solo mission, I will have a team working behind the scenes, supporting me every step of the way, ensuring my safety and the success of the Leg8cy Project CIC.

Self-Funded Essentials for the Journey:

Tent, sleeping bag, and waterproofs

GPS, medical supplies, and my RNI blood testing kit to monitor my warfarin levels post-heart surgery

A HipStar pull cart, carrying a 100-watt speaker that will play music non-stop during the walk

Clean clothes, a cooking kit, and the mental strength to push forward with the mission

But beyond these physical tools, the greatest tool I’ll carry is the power of music. Music has been my life-saving force, and it is the core of this journey. It has the power to connect people, to start conversations, and to heal.

Mental Health & Substance Misuse – The Crisis We Can’t Ignore

The statistics are stark, but they are only the surface.

1 in 4 people in the UK and Ireland will experience a mental health problem in their lifetime (Mind UK, 2024).

Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 and a leading cause of death among young people aged 15–29 (Samaritans, 2024).

Addiction and substance misuse are on the rise, with 26% more drug-related deaths in the UK in the past five years (ONS, 2024).

15% of people in the UK are neurodivergent (ADHD, ASD, dyslexia, etc.), yet many face misunderstanding and lack of support throughout their lives.

But it’s not just about statistics—it’s about those who live these struggles every day. Within the music industry, these challenges are even more pronounced.

The Struggles Within the Music Industry: Mental Health, Neurodiversity, and Addiction

The music industry is notorious for its pressures—touring, performing, maintaining public personas, and the constant demand for creativity. These demands take a heavy toll on mental health, leading to burnout, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. The industry has long been plagued by mental health struggles, and it’s not just the artists but the entire ecosystem—roadies, producers, managers, and others working behind the scenes.

1 in 3 musicians reports experiencing poor mental health (Help Musicians, 2024).

Suicide rates among musicians are significantly higher than the general population, with studies showing that musicians are 3 times more likely to die by suicide than the general public (University of Westminster, 2024).

Substance misuse is also a major concern in the music industry, with many artists turning to alcohol, drugs, and other substances as a means of coping with the pressures of their career. In fact, 22% of musicians report using alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with stress (Musician's Health Report, 2023).

Neurodiversity in the music industry often goes unrecognized. Many artists with ADHD, dyslexia, and autism spectrum disorders face unique challenges that are not always supported within the industry.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for better mental health support, greater understanding of neurodiversity, and stronger resources for addiction recovery within the music community.

A Personal Journey Through Darkness and Back

I am walking not just because of what I’ve learned through others, but because of what I’ve personally lived. I carry this journey with me—not as a burden, but as my purpose.

I am adhd asd dyslexic I’ve faced mental health struggles, including battles with substance misuse, and have come to understand firsthand the feeling of helplessness. There was a time when I tried to take my own life. I was sectioned for three months under the Mental Health Act. I’ve been homeless, substance misuse, and lost. I know what it feels like to be trapped, in society where your felt misunderstood and to be overwhelmed by darkness, and to think there’s no way out.

But I am also living proof that recovery is possible. I am standing here, ready to walk 1,600 miles, because music, community support, and the right resources helped me rebuild my life. I was given the opportunity to heal—and now I’m giving that gift back to others.

I Am Walking for Those We’ve Lost

I will walk for the friends I lost to the very battles I’m walking to raise awareness about.

Scott, Karl, Gary and Martin—brothers who were taken too soon by mental health struggles, addiction, and suicide.

Amy, a fellow psychology student & friend from Keele University, who passed away over Christmas at 21 due to health complications. Amy was bright, full of life, and her death is a reminder that life is short and precious.

.her loss is a reminder that life is fragile, and that we must support one another while we can.

As I pass Keele University, I will wear a t-shirt in Amy’s honour, standing as a symbol of remembrance and support for students everywhere who are struggling.

Keele University & Kenya – Walking Together for Amy & Mental Health Awareness

This is more than just a walk. It’s a global movement, bringing people together through music, love, and remembrance.

Honoring Amy – Uniting Two Worlds

Amy was a Keele University psychology student who tragically passed away over Christmas at just 21 years old due to health complications. She was loved by many, and after speaking with her mum and dad in Kenya, I wanted to make sure her legacy lives on—not just at Keele, but across the world.

As I walk past Keele, this moment will be bigger than just me.

In Kenya, Amy’s family, friends, and community will be walking at the same time in her memory.

They will be wearing special memorial t-shirts that I have designed and had made in her honor.

Keele University students and tutors will be joining me as I walk past campus, showing their support and walking side by side.

We will go LIVE at the same time from Keele and Kenya across all major social media platforms, showing two different parts of the world standing together for mental health, neurodiversity, suicide prevention, and substance misuse awareness.

Keele University is Backing This Mission in a BIG Way!

Before the Walk: Keele is hosting a Leg8cy awareness stall with live music, singers, and DJs to bring people together and create a buzz.

Three Major Interviews: Before the walk, as we hit Keele, and after the journey is complete—helping spread this message far and wide.

After the Walk: Keele is allowing us to host a huge event at the Student Union Building—a celebration of everything we’ve achieved and the lives we’ve touched.

This is Just the Beginning!

Throughout this journey, I’ll be doing different things at different sections of the walk to bring people and communities together through music.

If you believe in the power of love, music, and mental health awareness, walk with me, support however you can, and share this message.

Together, we can make a difference

This walk is for them, for you, and for everyone

I will carry their memories with me, honouring them in every step. This is not just a walk—it’s a tribute to them, to every person lost to these struggles, and to every person still fighting.

Why Music? – The Universal Tool for Healing

Music saved my life. It connected me when I was at my lowest, and it continues to give me strength to keep moving forward.

This walk isn’t just about the distance covered or the miles walked—it’s about the impact of music in healing mental health, building community, and offering a way for people to connect.

Music has been scientifically shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as promote feelings of well-being and unity. 89% of people in the UK say music improves their mental health (UK Music, 2024), and I will use this power to show that music can heal not only individuals but also entire communities.

I will carry a 100-watt speaker and play music non-stop as I walk. I’ll be collecting stories, promoting music, and building a movement based on music’s ability to open hearts, break down barriers, and foster genuine connection.

Your Music – The Soundtrack to This Journey

I want this journey to reflect the diversity and depth of music in the UK and Ireland. If you are a musician, I invite you to share your music with me. This journey is about celebrating all music—whether you’re a well-known artist or just starting out, your music will help power this mission forward.

Music isn’t just entertainment—it’s a tool for change, and we need it now more than ever.

This Walk is About Awareness, Not Fundraising

While this walk isn’t about fundraising, it’s about raising awareness, starting conversations, and offering support to those affected by mental health struggles, neurodiversity, and substance misuse. The goal is to inspire change and encourage people to reach out for help, share their stories, and find strength in community.

That said, any money raised throughout this journey will go directly to the Leg8cy Project CIC, a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to mental health advocacy, neurodiversity support, suicide prevention, and substance misuse recovery. These funds will be shared with other social enterprises aligned with the same mission, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most.

We need your involvement. This journey will be as much about you as it is about me. Whether you’re joining me for a few steps, a few miles, or sharing your story, we are in this together. Together, we can make a real, lasting difference.

Ways You Can Get Involved

Join the Walk: Whether it’s a mile, a day, or a week, come walk with me and show your support in different towns and cities across the UK and Ireland.

Share Your Story: If you’ve struggled with mental health, addiction, or neurodiversity, share your experience and help others feel less alone.

Send Your Music: If you’re an artist, share your music with me—let’s amplify your sound on this journey.

Offer Support: A place to stay, hot show a meal, or even a simple word of encouragement can make all the difference.

Mentorship and Guidance: If you work in mental health, neurodiversity, or recovery, join Leg8cy Project CIC and help guide others on their path.

Build Walk and Talk Groups: Join me in building Walk and Talk groups in towns and cities across the UK and Ireland. These groups will offer a safe space for people to walk together, talk openly, and share experiences. Help me create these communities of support.

Spread the Word: Follow, share, and tell your friends about this journey—your voice matters.

The Power of Music to Heal

Music has the ability to break down barriers and bring people together. It connects us in ways words sometimes cannot. Through this walk, I will show that music is not just an art—it is a tool for connection, healing, and hope.

As I walk across the full length of the UK and Ireland, I will carry with me not just the sounds of my speaker, but the hope that through music, we can start conversations about the things that matter most—our mental health, our community, and our shared humanity.

This Walk is a Movement – Join Me

This journey is about more than just walking 1,600 miles—it’s about making sure that no one has to walk alone. It’s about standing up for those who are struggling, speaking out against the stigma, and showing the world that we can make a difference—one step at a time.

Will you walk with me?

Even though this is a solo mission, I will have a team backing me every step of the way, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure my safety, the success of the walk, and the overall success of the Leg8cy Project CIC. My health and safety are paramount, and with their support, we will make this journey as safe, impactful, and powerful as possible.

Personal Triumphs – My Heart’s Journey

In August 2023, I solo climbed Ben Nevis, an act that saved my life. A week later, I suffered a heart attack, which led to the discovery of an underlying heart condition. In August 2024, I underwent 8 hours of open-heart surgery, receiving two new valves and a mechanical valve replacement. I’ve never been so healthy, and it’s a reminder that no matter where we’ve been, the past doesn’t define us—it’s what we do today and moving forward that matters.

Scott

Founder

Leg8cy Project CiC