Best friends conquer Coast to Coast for better mental health
Raising money for Lancashire Mind was important to us because we both have loved ones who have experienced mental health conditions.
Two friends from Chorley, Fiona and Jenny, have done Lancashire Mind and loved ones proud by conquering 192 miles in 13 days – raising nearly £1,500 for better mental health.
Both keen walkers, the friends have always wanted to walk the Wainwright Coast to Coast. Once they decided to progress with the challenge, they knew straightaway they wanted to raise funds and awareness for Lancashire Mind - in memory of Jenny’s late husband and Fiona’s best friend.
Fiona lives with a physical health condition, which makes walking all the more challenging for her than many others. "The Wainwright coast to coast was an experience neither of us will ever forget,” she said. “We walked 192 miles in 13 days, we laughed, cried and we got blisters and we raised £1, 473 for Lancashire Mind, which is just amazing.”
Lancashire Mind’s Fundraising and Communications Lead, Emma Bateson explained how valued and important their support is. Emma said: “I can’t thank Fiona and Jenny enough for the choosing to support Lancashire Mind through this impressive challenge and for their passion, commitment and perseverance.”
“Like others who choose to support Lancashire Mind, they have seen the impact that poor mental health and wellbeing can have on people they care about. It is not easy to fundraise in memory of a loved one but knowing you are helping others is the driving force for supporting the work we do.”
Fiona and Jenny’s donation could enable Lancashire Mind to:
- Support six people with one-to-one wellbeing coaching - helping them to overcome barriers to experiencing good mental health and wellbeing.
- Answer calls and emails to approximately 150 people
- Provide 14 Happier Lancashire talks to community groups across Lancashire helping them to learn simple ways to looking after their wellbeing. 14 talks mean we could reach 420 people.
Emma continued: “We simply could not help people the way we do without people like Fiona and Jenny. As a charity we rely on the support of people and businesses across Lancashire to enable us to support those who need it. Demand for our services continues to grow and income through fundraising is at the heart of us being there for anyone experiencing a mental health condition.
“Fiona and Jenny, we think you are amazing! Your donation will make such a difference and we appreciate every step you took throughout your incredible 192-mile challenge.”