A hike across Hull in aid of a mental health charity has been hailed a great success.
Isaac Thompson set about organising the “Ultimate Hull Walk and Talk” earlier this summer. It took place on Saturday, August 30 and saw a group of dedicated participants set out from Asda Bilton on a journey designed to help people’s mental health and to support the work of suicide prevention charity, Mysterious Minds.
Isaac, who was helped in the organising by his wife Amina Bhatti and his friend Kieran Garsides, said: “It went really well. Everyone who took part has come back to me and said how they really enjoyed it.”
The walk, which began at 11.15am and ended at about 6pm after a return crossing of the Humber Bridge, raised £3,041.35 through an online appeal and donations on the day, with plenty of curious onlookers interested in what Mysterious Minds (emblazoned on the walkers’ T-shirts) was about. “Everything went to plan,” said Isaac, “and nobody picked up any injuries.
“We were well ahead of schedule at one point so, although I don’t drink, we went into the Tigers Lair. They said they were happy for us to come in and collect with our buckets – the owner put £10 in himself.”
Spring Bank Tavern, New Griffin, Royal Charter and The Robin pubs were all on board with the bucket collections, too. Isaac said that with Mysterious Minds’ encouragement, this could now become an annual event or even be split into two walks each year, east and west of the city.
“We’re hoping it will enable more people to come along if they are more locally based. Mysterious Minds have said it’s not just about the money, it’s about getting people out.
“That will be the focus of the next events; the fundraising will be an aside.” Isaac added: “I was tired after the walk, but it felt good.”
You can see pictures from the Ultimate Hull Walk and Talk below, courtesy of Luke Pointer, who helped to document the day.