WANTED: Challengers, volunteers and donations for Hadrian’s Wall Challenge 2024
Paul Wolstenholme, Uppermill resident, psychotherapist, Mental Health First Aid instructor and Director of Pathlight Ltd is organising and taking part in a mammoth feat of physical and mental endurance this summer: the Hadrian’s Wall Challenge. All funds raised will go directly to three wonderful mental health organisations in my local area of Oldham, Greater Manchester.
WHAT ARE THEY DOING?
In the space of 4 days, our group of Challengers will walk and/or run the Hadrian’s Wall Path, an 84-mile coast-to-coast National Trail across Northern England. That’s almost a marathon every day for four days in a row!
The route closely follows one of Britain’s most iconic and historic Roman landmarks – Hadrian’s Wall – from Bowness-on-Solway on the West coast to Wallsend on the banks of the Tyne. The Trail passes through the wild and beautiful landscapes of the Northumberland National Park, with regular viewings of ruined Roman settlements, forts, milecastles, turrets and some fully intact sections of the Wall…together with Roman museums, cosy pubs, bustling market towns and urban areas built on top of the wall.
WHY ARE THEY DOING IT?
Mental health is crucial to wellbeing. Paul knows from personal experience and the work that he does just how debilitating mental ill health can be. Everyone knows somebody whose life has been severely impacted by anxiety, depression, suicide, trauma or other mental health challenges. Research shows that CONNECTION is hugely important in recovery from mental ill health. The Hadrian’s Wall Challenge offers the powerful gift of peer support, teamwork and camaraderie PLUS the healing properties of connecting to nature AND the holistic benefits of improved physical health…all combined with 2000 years of history.
WHERE WILL THE MONEY GO?
All funds raised will go directly to support the work of three mental health organisations around Oldham…
- Samaritans (Rochdale, Oldham & district)
Samaritans offer a free listening and support service to people and communities in times of need. Every 10 seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help. Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy. Samaritans’ work tirelessly to reach more people and make suicide prevention a priority.
- Mental Health Football (Oldham)
Mental Health Football Oldham aims to improve people’s mental health through physical activity and peer support in a friendly, easy-going atmosphere. They offer a free, weekly game of football for men and women of all ages and abilities who may be experiencing poor mental health. No scorelines, no judgement, just lots of positive encouragement.
- Pathlight Thrive Hive
This friendly Facebook group offers free support, events, insight and connection around mental health, holistic wellbeing, personal development and navigating life’s challenges.
WHAT THEY NEED
They need a few more participants to take on this epic challenge, some support volunteers (e.g. support driver to transport our gear between overnight stops) and kind donors to help us smash our fundraising target of £2000.
To get involved as a Challenger (running and/or walking) or support volunteer please register your interest ASAP via this link or QR code:
To donate, please click the link or scan the QR code below:
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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