Finding Peace of Mind Walk — 2026
A 10-month walk across the UK and Ireland to raise funds for mental health charities and encourage open conversations about mental health and neurodiversity.
About the Walk
On 1 January 2026, I will set off from the Shetland Islands to begin a 10-month, 4,200km walk through Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland, finishing in Galway in October 2026.
The aim is to raise £80,000 for four regional mental health charities via GoFundMe, while creating opportunities for open, honest conversations about mental health and neurodiversity.
This isn’t just a physical challenge — it’s a living symbol of the mental health journey. Starting in the cold, dark days of January reflects those periods in life when things feel hardest, and all you can do is keep moving forward, one step at a time.
Along the way, I will spend time in towns and cities across the UK and Ireland, often staying one or two days to give talks in workplaces, schools, organisations and community groups — sharing lived experience of mental health, recovery and neurodiversity, and answering questions.
At a glance
Start: 1 January 2026 — Shetland Islands
Duration: 10 months (296 days)
Distance: ~4,200 km
Finish: Galway, October 2026
Fundraising target: £80,000 (via GoFundMe)
(Includes introduction, route map, charities, targets, and ways to get involved — please do share.)
Quick links
Proudly Supporting 4 Mental Health Charities
During the walk, I am raising both funds and awareness for the following organisations, with donations distributed equally:
SAMH – Scotland
Mind – England & Wales
AWARE NI - Northern Ireland
AWARE – Republic of Ireland
Personal Goals, Targets & Progress
These personal goals help me stay focused day-to-day throughout the walk. Progress is updated periodically (Dec 2025).
Raise £80,000 for the four mental health charities (currently £1,700 raised)
Give away 30 copies of my memoir Finding Peace of Mind (4 shared so far)
Capture 30 photographs of moments of simple beauty and mindfulness
Deliver 30 talks across workplaces, schools, community groups, podcasts, radio & TV
Post 30 weekly blogs/vlogs reflecting on the journey
Replicate the 1913 Suffragist March from Carlisle to London (from April 2026), first walked by my great-grandmother
How You Can Support Me Along the 4,200km Journey
Get your copy of my memoir (profits to charities) – Finding Peace of Mind
Invite me to speak (any profits/donations to charities) – choose a reading, topic or Q&A session for your workplace, school…
Help spread the word – share the walk & charity flyer with others
Accommodation - Accommodation offers are greatly appreciated
Support vehicle - Support vehicle offers are greatly appreciated
You can donate to the four charities via GoFundMe (target £80,000)
Joining Me Along the Walk
Walk alongside me for a mile, a day, or longer
Share your mental health or neurodiversity story
Meet for a cup of tea or coffee
Or simply cheer from the sidelines
All meet-ups are informal, flexible, and shaped around the walk.
Forward-Planned Routes
Each downloadable route includes a map and a detailed grid showing:
Where I’ll be walking
Where people can join me
Where I’ll be staying (and welcoming accommodation offers)
Where I’m available to give talks (highlighted in orange)
Please note: routes and dates may change due to circumstances beyond my control.
Scotland & Northern Isles (1 Jan- 23 March)
England & Wales (24 March- 8 Aug)
Northern Ireland (9 Aug- 8 Sept)
Republic of Ireland (9 Sept- 24 Oct)
Journey Progress & Location
This is a long, continuous journey, and there are several ways to follow along — depending on what you’re interested in.
Follow the journey
Daily reflections, photographs and highlightsJourney progress
Verified distance walked and overall route progress via GarminExact location
Accurate to within 3 metres, updated thoughtfully for safety and coordination view on what3words
Location and tracking are shared carefully, with wellbeing and safety in mind.
Transparency
I am self-funding the walk, but welcome sponsorship or support for accommodation, food, clothing, or a support vehicle.
100% of profits from my memoir will be donated to SAMH, AWARE NI and AWARE (Ireland) during the first year (Oct 2025 – Oct 2026).
100% of profits from talks or workshops on mental health or neurodiversity during that period will also be donated.
Follow on Social Media
I share regular updates from the walk, reflections, and occasional longer-form writing across social media.
Writing & reflection
LinkedIn — weekly blogs and updates
Mindfulness & photography
Facebook · Instagram · TikTok · X
Insights & interviews
YouTube