A Salford charity worker is set to walk from Newcastle to Manchester with a group of friends to raise money for mental health awareness.
Sam Parker is set to complete the challenge on 13-16 July, joined by a group of his friends, to raise money for Mind in Salford, where he works as a Project Development Manager.
This is the second time Sam has completed the challenge, after he completed it in 2017 to raise money for an unpaid internship.
After the first walk, Sam found his own mental health took a serious dip. He said: “After the first walk, I was in a crisis with low moods and high levels of anxiety. I was scared of my brain. It took a lot to reach out to my GP. 
“Part of the reason to go back to the walk now is looking back at where I started working on my mental health, and looking at where I am now. There’s a massive difference to where I was six years ago.”
“It means a lot to raise awareness and money for mental health. I think charities and statuary services have been massive for me surviving. There’s an element without mental health services, I wouldn’t be here.”
Sam will be joined on the walk by a group of friends from his Korf Ball team, as well mutual friends and housemates, made up of Lucy Helas,
Salman Rukhsar, Coralie Adams and Tallie Cooper.
Sam explained how his friendship group and family have been vital to his recovery journey. He continued: “Its not been an easy time at all, but recovery is a journey and it’s something you can go to therapy about. It takes time.
“But I’ve had an incredible support network. I’m really thankful that people have been around to help me. I’m so grateful and I’m aware that not everybody has that. Thats why I think when you’re in that situation, thats why charities can be so vital.”
The itinerary for the walk is as follows:
- Newcastle to Dalton-on-Tees, 36 miles, 13 July
- Dalton-on-Tees to Kettlewell, 35 miles, 14 July
- Kettlewell to Hebden Bridge, 33 miles, 15 July
- Hebden Bridge to Manchester, 24 miles, 16 July
Despite knowing the physical and mental toll the walk took on him last time, Sam explained how important the walk was to look back on his progress. He added: “I compare the walk to my mental health journey. When you’re at the start of the walk, or a recovery journey, thinking about how big it is can be massively overwhelming. Sometimes all you can do is focus on the next step and putting your foot down to the next step.”
“Sometimes you can reach out to someone, or a professional, but make sure you don’t feel alone. You’re getting a step closer to where you need to be.”
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