Walking 100 Miles for Men’s Mental Health: Supporting my close friend and Mates In Mind

The Story

I’m raising funds for a very close friend. He is a kind, hardworking man who has quietly struggled with his mental health for his entire life. Recently, his world was turned upside down. After years of silent suffering and confusion, he was sectioned under the Mental Health Act and finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has struggled with undiagnosed mental health disorders his entire life. Conditions that have been untreated for too long

For decades, he has carried this burden alone, without understanding why he felt the way he did. Despite his immense challenges, he pushed through life, doing his best to keep up appearances while fighting an internal battle he couldn’t explain. His diagnosis was a turning point, but it came at a great personal cost. Now, as he begins the difficult process of recovery, he faces the daunting task of rebuilding his life from the ground up.

Sadly, my friend is not alone in this experience. Too many men suffer in silence due to stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to support. That’s why I’m launching this campaign—to provide urgent help for my friend while also supporting the wider cause of men’s mental health.

The Goal

All donations will be shared between two important purposes:

With your help we can provide support to my friend as he transitions back to work. Funds will help cover essential living expenses, therapy, medications and practical resources that are criticaly needed to stabilise and rebuild his life after untreated illness.

A percentage of the overall funds raised will be donated to Mates in Mind - a charity that supports organisations within the construction industry to transform the mental health culture of their workplaces.

The Challenge

In honor of my friend and men like him, I will be walking 100 miles across the UK over four days during the may spring Bank Holiday weekend (Whitsun). This trek represents the long, painful journey that so many men walk alone every day—men who feel trapped in darkness, misunderstood, or too ashamed to seek help.

But no one should have to walk this road alone.

I’m asking for your support, and I invite you to join me.

If you believe in this cause, please:

• Donate whatever you can—every pound makes a difference.

• Share this campaign with your friends, family, and networks to help us spread awareness.

• Walk with me! Whether you want to join for a few miles or the full 100, I would love to have your company.

Why This Matters

Men’s mental health is an overlooked and often misunderstood crisis. Many men face overwhelming societal pressures to be strong, stoic, and self-reliant, making it harder for them to seek help when they need it most. The stigma surrounding mental illness, combined with a lack of resources, leaves too many men suffering in silence until it’s too late.

Bipolar disorder is a serious but treatable condition. Early intervention, therapy, and medication can make a world of difference—but only if the person receives the right diagnosis and care. In this case, we now know that a lifetime of untreated bipolar disorder could have been better managed with the right support earlier on.

This is why your contribution matters. Together, we can offer immediate help to a good man who deserves a second chance—and work toward a future where mental health care is more accessible, less stigmatised, and better understood for everyone.

Closing Message

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading this, for caring, and for supporting this mission.

Every step I take in this 100-mile challenge will be a step toward awareness, compassion, and recovery—for my friend and for countless others like him.

Let’s walk this road together, and show men struggling with mental health issues that they are not alone.

Thank you so much for your generosity, encouragement, and kindness.

Facebook - Trek Details

Mates in Mind

Registered charity number 1172460