Andrea's Story: 25 Lancashire Minds

Andrea’s Story

Even the longest walks begin with a single step.

At Lancashire Mind, we know that meaningful change often starts with a single idea and a passionate individual willing to bring it to life. That’s exactly what happened in 2022, when one of our Fundraising Lead Andrea dreamt up the Summer Solstice Walking Challenge. Her journey in setting up and growing this event reminds us that mental health affects us all and that even the longest walks begin with a single step.

This year’s event:
Takes place on Thursday 19th June 2025 at 4.39am (sunrise) at Barden Athletics Track, New Hall Street, Burnley, BB10 1JH

The Summer Solstice Walking Challenge

The Summer Solstice Walking Challenge started in 2022, to raise awareness of mental health and raise funds for Lancashire Mind. A decade after my own mental health challenges a wanted to find a way to mark the journey I’d been on and show that the even the longest walk begins with a single step.

“In January 2022, I conceived the idea of walking around a track on the longest day of the year. My goal was to create a space for people to come together, have meaningful conversations, and guide them to the help they needed. At that time, I hadn’t even walked 10k, nor had I participated in any charity events. I probably didn’t fully grasp how challenging this day would be.

Highlighting mental health

My primary motivation was to help people and highlight mental health issues in Burnley. While working for Burnley Leisure and Culture, a charity, I aimed to raise funds for Lancashire Mind to support their incredible work across the county. Having been affected by suicide twice and on the 10th anniversary of my own mental health struggles, I felt it was time to give back.

Ten years earlier, I had been off work for three months due to stress and anxiety. In 2012, admitting this and discussing it with friends and family was still very difficult. I wanted to advocate for openness on the subject and encourage people to share, open-up, and seek help if needed.

In that first year, we raised £1,500 for Lancashire Mind, which was absolutely amazing to me! Although my hips gave up around 6pm, I still managed to walk around 47 miles and crossed the finish line at 9.41pm. The following year in 2023, we raised a similar amount for more local charities, then in 2024 we saw a significant increase with over £4,000 raised for two charities!

Unfortunately, 2023 also brought a dip in my mental health due to a traumatic IVF round – resulting in two miscarriages. Each year reinforces the importance of raising awareness about available support. I know last year’s event saved a life by helping someone get the assistance they desperately needed. As I’ve said each year, if we can help even one person, the effort is worth it.

Coming full circle

This year, I’ve come full circle. Now leading the fundraising team for Lancashire Mind, I understand firsthand how vital these events are for sustaining our life-changing services. Having managed the event in 2023 and 2024, I feel it’s only fitting to take on the challenge once again. The impact of this event on our current projects and services is immense. Knowing that there is a project (Together after loss) in Blackburn with Darwen to provide families bereaved through baby loss is incredible.

It’s also heartening to see so many children and young people in schools and communities receiving support for their self-confidence, resilience and struggles with self-harm or anxiety.

Setting new challenges

So, this year, I’m lacing up my trainers and setting myself a small target (not that it’s necessary), but I want to link it back to Lancashire Mind’s 25th Anniversary. My aim is to walk 205 laps which will be 50 miles! I can’t wait (ish)…

The event provides an atmosphere that’s full of love and support. I can’t quite describe the feeling you get walking the track – everyone there is so supportive of each other.

There’s still time to challenge yourself and walk the whole way but if that’s not for you – your support for any part of the day will mean the world. It’s open for everyone. You can plan a catch up with a friend, colleague, plan a team meeting or come and do a few laps before or after work.

See you on the track, I’ll be little blonde one with a bright red face probably.

Join me for the Summer Solstice Walking Challenge

Solstice Event Details Register Your Place