Fiona's Story: 25 Lancashire Minds
Fiona’s Story
Three Months, Six National Trails, One Woman’s Hike Across Britain
Lancashire Mind fundraiser Fiona Bromiley is undertaking an incredible 1,300 mile challenge to raise funds for mental health following her own experiences with depression.
Fiona is travelling solo hiking the entire length of mainland Britain, from John o’ Groats in Scotland to Land’s End in Cornwall. Having set off on April 30th, the three-month trek follows some of the UK’s most iconic long-distance footpaths, including the John o’ Groats Trail, the Great Glen Way, the West Highland Way (southbound), the Pennine Way, Offa’s Dyke Path, and the South West Coast Path.
Throughout the challenge, Fiona has invited members of the public to walk alongside her for sections of the journey. CEO of Lancashire Mind, David Dunwell, joined Fiona on June 20th as she passed through Lancashire.
Fiona said: “Since I walked the coast to coast in 2022, I always wanted to walk north to south of Britain. Ffyona Campbell started with walking across Britain before she embarked walking across the world so who knows what can happen after this.”
Physically I trained at the gym five times a week with one or two big walks a week in preparation for the walk. I suffered with a coccyx injury last August and at one point I didn’t think I would be able to start but luckily, I had a great PT and sports therapist to help me recover.”
I’m quite a strong-minded person these days. After a long battle with depression, it’s made me more determined to complete this challenge. Some days I do struggle to get going but with the support of my family and some good friends their words of encouragement usually give me the kick start on those tough days.”
I was in a really tough place for a long time but getting out and about in the outdoors really gave me a focus. It clears my mind of all the thoughts that run through it all the time. When I’m hiking in the mountains or on a long distance walk like this, it really helps me put things into perspective. I hope people who read this will be motivated to get out into the outdoors like I did and find comfort in it. It’s hard at first to find the courage but if I can do it then so can you.”
To find out more about Fiona’s challenge:
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