Walking challenge to raise money for mental health charity

A man from Hyde is taking on a huge lockdown challenge to raise funds for a cause close to his heart.

Ben James is hoping to walk 435 miles over the current lockdown period to help fund an extra counsellor for The Talk Shop, who offer a mental health support service at the Anthony Seddon Fund in Ashton.

The charity operate the group for 9 to 19-year-olds. Pre-Covid the service would be on a drop-in basis but due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, an appointment must now be booked.

This means that it’s now more difficult for a young person to be seen by a councillor, so Ben has stepped up to the plate to help fund an extra qualified professional to increase capacity.

Ben said: “The Talk Shop is a really good way for young people to access counselling without waiting lists. They can chat, play pool, listen to music and do arts and crafts. Covid stopped all that unfortunately.

“Now they’re only seeing five or six kids, down from 30 each week. I’m trying to raise a little bit of money to put another councillor in place.”

Ben’s mammoth challenge came to him one day when he asked himself what he could do to support the charity. He’s walking each day, increasing the mileage each time he goes out. One mile on the first day, two on the second, until finishing the month walking thirty miles.

Ben explained: “I’m quite a big lad so my average steps a day were probably a thousand, but now I’m up to 20,000.

“It’s been ok, hard at first to get into it and motivate myself as I’m usually quite lazy.

“Once I got into the groove I was ok. I’ve had to pop a couple of blisters on the soles of my feet and at times its been hard, it’s taken a toll on my legs.

“I’ve had to have a couple of days rest after one of my bubble had a Covid test but I needed that really.

“I’ve walked to Oldham, to Stockport, all around Tameside to all of the towns. It’s been nice to get out and see the local area.”

Despite taking on such a huge challenge, Ben did very little preparation for the month long event. He said: “I’ve just gone straight into it. I was sat there and thought I need to do something.

“29 miles is massive, it hit me and I started to work a little bit but I’m going to get through it.

“I’ve had lots of donations and encouragement which has been nice.

“I didn’t really have a figure in mind. I was looking at around £1,000, that would do a good few months of an extra councillor.”

Ben’s walk is already well underway and going well, with him taking in the sights and sounds of Tameside. If you would like to sponsor him head to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ben-james25.