With serious depression and chronic health conditions, 33-year-old Aisha Hussain from Pembrokeshire knew the challenge might help. She never dreamed it would have the life-changing impact that it has.
’In September 2021 I signed up to a challenge to walk 50 miles that month. I only realised then how unfit I was, as I struggled to walk half a mile at first! I very nearly didn’t complete it, but felt so much better for doing it – just getting out every day was an achievement. But once the month was over, my mental health took a nosedive and I became a recluse.
‘It’s hard to explain depression to those who don’t get it. I was desperate to go out. I wanted to go for a walk… but the very thought of stepping outside was completely terrifying. The very idea of doing #walk1000miles was utterly bonkers – I couldn’t possibly do it. But I told myself every mile was an achievement and I’d be pleased with a couple of hundred by year’s end.
‘A massive turning point was a walk to Flounders Folly in Shropshire. My brother suggested a nice evening walk there, but failed to mention how long or steep it would be. It was by far the toughest hike I’d ever done up to that time. But when we got to the top the views were breathtaking. I felt quite emotional. I had an enormous sense of achievement and it was at that moment I fell in love with walking up hills. It was totally magical to me. The sense of peace didn’t last, as I wear an ostomy bag, and it needed changing, pronto.
But afterwards I reflected that I’d conquered the hill, done my longest walk to date and dealt with a bag-related emergency in a remote location. And if I could deal with that, I really could deal with anything. #Walk1000miles has been completely life changing. The Facebook group is the friendliest, most supportive community out there. I’ve posted a few times when I’ve struggled and been amazed at the kindness and compassion. I’ve gone from being pre-diabetic to being in the normal range, lost seven stone and kept it off, my chronic health issues have improved beyond anything I could have hoped for. And above all, the effect on my mental health is nothing short of phenomenal.’
