Sixty Darlington lads are set to walk 60km through a storm - both physically and mentally - to break the stigma around men's mental health.
The ‘Darlo Lads Walk and Talk’ is set to return for its fifth year on Saturday (November 23), where the group will set off from Langdon Beck at 1am and make their way to Broken Scar.
This year, the event is raising vital funds for ManHealth, a North East charity dedicated to provide support groups for men across the region.
And while Storm Bert may be set to bring heavy rain and wind to the country over the weekend, organiser Joe Crees sees it as a perfect metaphor for the event, saying: “We’ve got to walk through the storm, come out the other side, and not give up. It’s quite apt.”
Joe, who set up the annual event in 2020 after suffering with his own mental health, said things were brought closer to home this year, with several people set to take part on Saturday recently experiencing sudden losses.
He told The Northern Echo this week: “We’re doing it to raise funds for men’s mental health and suicide prevention. For the last four years, we’ve raised money for Movemeber.
“This year we are doing it for ManHealth, which has groups in Darlington, Newton Aycliffe, Bishop Auckland, and Spennymoor. I’ve personally been to those groups, and they’ve really helped me.”
Joe said he wanted to “do something a bit out there” to raise awareness for men’s mental health when he set up the event five years ago, and it quickly “caught steam”.
Since then, the event has raised more than £45,000 for local mental health charities.
He continued: “Mental health really wants to be a top priority. And we care. It’s what the walk stands for - seeing this group of men saying we’ve had enough.
“People don’t want anyone else to experience what they have been through. I imagine it is going to be quite an emotional day.”
The walk will see the group of 60 men set off from Langdon Beck and expect to reach Broken Scar by about 4pm.
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The group has already raised £6,500 for this year’s walk along, along with the support of local businesses across the North East and families and friends.
But they're looking to top their fundraising efforts up even more - and you can donate to the Darlo Lads Walk and Talk here https://manhealth.enthuse.com/pf/darlolads-walktalk
When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org for more information.
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