Peace of mind, positivity, perspective and an ability to meet the challenges life bowls at us. A little walking goes a very long way say Walk 1000 Miles challengers who’ve walked all over their demons.
Is walking effective against depression & anxiety
Is the challenge effective against loneliness?
Are you happier for taking part?
‘More than I ever dreamed!’
‘Since doing Walk 1000 Miles I no longer take antidepressants, which have been part of my life for the last 15/20 years! I started a local walking group too and now walk with them two or three times a week, as well as seeing them socially outside of walking. I’m fitter, happier, and have achieved more than I ever dreamed I could!’
Sharon Ost, 44, Maidstone
‘Such happy memories’
‘Nothing has ever been made worse by going for a walk! The habit is ingrained, and it’s brought such happy memories – like taking my kids to see Cathedral Caves for the first time and watching them skip down the Langdales after a pub lunch in the sunshine. I’m due to complete my 1000 miles while on the Coast to Coast in September which I’m walking in aid of the Ambulance Staff Charity – feels like a pretty cool place to hit that milestone!’
Hannah Beddoe, 36, Corby
‘From low self-confidence to feeling incredibly proud’
‘I suffer from low confidence, but this challenge gives me something to be able to say “Wow! That’s an achievement!”. Being outdoors makes me feel good, and walking in the hills makes my troubles seem insignificant when compared to the vastness around me. When conquering a mountain or anything new, I’m always incredibly proud of myself – a feeling I don’t get in my day to day life. ’
Gerri Hickton, 46, Draycott
‘Raised my mojo in ways I didn’t think possible’
‘Taking part has affected my overall outlook in ways I could never have imagined. I made a resolution to join at least one ‘badger’ event on my challenge, and in February I joined 37 others at Stanage Edge. When I did I was in a really bad place mentally and for me that day was an incredible experience. I came away making friends that will last for a long time to come. I can’t thank CW enough, the whole concept of the challenge has made such a positive impact on me and raised my mojo in a way I didn’t think was possible. I’ll do it for the rest of my life and I’m proud to be part of an amazing group of people. Thank you for bringing us all together, it’s just amazing.’
Andrew Askin, 52, Knottingley
‘Small steps lead to everything’
‘Suffering from depression, I have to sometimes battle myself to walk – but I’m always glad I did. Since doing the challenge I’ve become able to climb bigger hills, I’m more content and happier, more body confident and I’ve had compliments. It’s given me a purpose and a reason to walk – and challenging myself to do better than the previous year drives me on. Don’t forget it isn’t all big numbers in one walk – small steps lead to everything else!’
Mandi White, Somerset
‘An all over sense of wellbeing’
‘I’ve had to overcome demons in my own head. I come from an inner city background with a difficult upbringing but the big miles have helped me push through. Now I just have an all over sense of wellbeing. I’ve made so many new friends thanks to this challenge. We’ve also started a walking group in Kent where we get to share our love of the outdoors with our neighbours. I feel mentally lighter when I’m walking. It forces you to focus on the present and enjoy the beauty around you. It brings a much needed calm into my life. And the list of fantastic memories I’ve created doing it is endless.’
Mike Morgan, 42, Rochester
‘Stopped the pills’
‘After a mental breakdown in 2019 walking has been my coping mechanism. This year I decided to stop taking antidepressants and the challenge has been my mental health boost ever since. It’s helped me cope with a cancer scare, an unknown super virus and a ruptured appendix and abscess. It’s also seen me walk and wild camp along the South West Coast Path, bond with my mum and introduce colleagues who rarely visit the countryside or go on hikes and explore. I’ve done a fair few of my miles on the treadmill too this year but in times of chaos, I’m so grateful that Walk 1000 Miles has given me clarity and a focus.’
Annabel Owens, 30, West Yorkshire
