Walking for Mind turned grief into a fuel for good
Chanel says not only did the walk raise money and awareness, it Introduced her to a new community of friends.
I discovered the Mind Walk last year, after the death of my dad, alongside the passing of several close friends, one of whom died by suicide. They all happened within a relatively short period of time, and the losses became incredibly overwhelming. They didn’t really talk about mental health a lot, so I found myself searching for answers in the wake of that loss. And that’s when I found Mind.
“Grief became a constant part of me. I struggled with anxiety and questioning my faith, and that’s why I wanted to take on the Mind Walk.”
I’d had a pretty rough year, losing a number of people close to me. Grief became a constant part of me. I struggled with anxiety and questioning my faith, and I think that’s why I wanted to take on the Mind Walk, to give myself a challenge and find some support through those losses that were so hard to understand alone.
I wanted to turn grief into fuel for good. I raised £650 for Mind taking on the 10k walk last year in London, and I’m incredibly proud of that achievement. But the walk can make waves so much bigger than that, and has already. It raises awareness on a community scale, helps people find others around them who want to talk and support one another, fighting for a better future together. If we communicate more and share our worries with each other, maybe we can avoid more lives being lost to mental health.
I made so many friends on the day. We walked together, smiling the whole time.
"I did the walk last year on crutches, so trust me when I say this really is a movement anyone and everyone can take part in."
We were in such high spirits, one big family making moves for mental health together.
I did the walk last year on crutches, so trust me when I say this really is a movement anyone and everyone can take part in. Take it at your own pace, enjoy it, and know that just by being there you’re doing so much good for mental health.
And my top tips for fundraising?
Don’t be embarrassed asking people for money or posting on your socials. It might surprise you who wants to donate and get involved! And always remind people that any donation of any size has such a huge impact. We’re in this together.
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