Fantastic four students take on 60km charity walk challenge

Mental Health Nursing students, Bradlee Bugg, Adam Crawford, Ella Smith and Harvey Betts, recently walked the equivalent of 37 miles from the University’s Wheeler building in Chester to Manchester Airport to raise money for Movember.

They have raised more than £800 for the cause, which is tackling men’s health on a global scale, focusing on mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

The team completed the challenge in just over 12 hours.

Bradlee, who first suggested and organised the fundraiser, said: “It was definitely one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done, especially towards the end when my legs were cramping and I was struggling to keep going. Overall, though, it was a really rewarding experience.

“Being able to do it alongside my friends, where we all continuously supported one another, and knowing it was for a cause that means so much to us made a huge difference. The support we’ve received has been amazing, and knowing it’s going to change lives for the better was honestly my biggest motivator.”

On planning the walk, he added: “I immediately became set on finishing at Manchester Airport because I’ve always loved aviation. Deciding where to start, however, was more of a challenge, as planning a route that was exactly 60km isn’t easy. We were sitting outside one day when the idea came up to start at the place where we spend so much of our time, so starting at the Wheeler building became the plan. After playing around with Google Maps, I was able to map out a route that came to 60km.”

Ella shared her motivations for getting involved: “I took on this challenge to raise awareness, open conversations, and show that no one has to struggle alone. The journey was tough at times, but every step reminded me why this cause matters so much. It was challenging, emotional, but so unforgettable. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who supported us along the way. It made every mile even more meaningful.”

Adam said: “I took part in the walk in aid of showing how, no matter how you feel, there is always someone out there willing to listen. 60km represents how 60 men are lost to suicide globally, every hour. We aimed to raise money that can be used to tackle stigma, raise awareness and create conversation. I’m incredibly proud of everyone who took part, and as time passed during the walk, the gratitude I felt for those who donated spurred me on to complete it.”

Harvey echoed his friends’ thoughts on the experience and what the support has meant to them: “Taking part in this charity walk was one of the most challenging and rewarding things I have ever attempted in my life. Unfortunately, due to having a long-term medical condition, I was unable to finish the whole walk, but I gave it my all. I am very thankful to everyone who donated money to this cause, and so incredibly proud of the other three. My personal goal from this experience was to be able to show people that no matter where in life you are or how low you feel, there will be someone, somewhere willing to put in the work to help you out. I am incredibly grateful for all the support we received, knowing that the work we all put in will go towards helping people who are in need.”

Donations can still be made to the fundraiser by visiting the team’s page on the Movember website. 

Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men.

In addition to growing a moustache in November to raise money and for awareness, the charity also encourages people to ‘Move for Mental Health’ by running or walking 60km during the month, or ‘Mo Your Own Way’, by setting up their own challenge.