A walk to remember

We donned our anoraks and snack-filled backpacks for a special sponsored team walk around the beautiful Chilterns countryside.

Planned and led by our volunteer Kieran Seale, we walked 10km to raise funds for our essential mental health services to support young people. Kieran said ‘it was a real honour to lead the walk.  It was great to see so many people chatting and networking.  Walking is so good for team building and it felt really appropriate to be doing an activity which is so good for physical and mental health”.

Our 2 hour ramble took us over rolling hills and through fresh green woodland, where we spotted wild deer, red kites and golden brown hawks perched in trees. Georgia, our mental health coordinator, brought along her dog Oscar, who became our mini mascot with his infectious happy energy that kept us going.

22 members of the team rose to the challenge, including some brand new staff members who have just joined Brandon Centre! It was great to get to know them as we all chatted for 2 hours.

The English countryside was the perfect place for our first fundraising challenge and to take time out to recognise the significance of National Suicide Prevention Day, which was intentionally the same day as our walk. Being out in nature on the 10th of September was a real reminder of how precious our mental health is, and that expansive views and fresh air can be really transformative for our minds.

Kieran (rather cleverly) ended our trek at The Queens Head for a couple of celebratory pints and plenty of Thai veggie spring rolls, finishing our fundraiser feeling full, satisfied and happy.

“We are deeply grateful and appreciative of everyone’s incredible support and generosity in donating to our first team fundraising walk. We managed to raise £3,800. All the funding raised is helping support our very special and important charity to provide vital services for young people.”

Emma Sainsbury,

Head of Business Development and Partnerships

“It was so nice to get out of the city and spend time with colleagues in nature. It was somehow relaxing and invigorating at the same time! A real treat and a great way to raise money for our wonderful charity.”

Ellie Brookhouse,

BC-SIT Lead

“Our 10k walk in the Chilterns was a great chance for us to bond with colleagues while engaging in a mindful wellbeing activity. Walking in nature is incredibly beneficial for our mental health and I would encourage anyone to get out into the countryside for a stroll or a hike.”

Pavlos Rossolymos,

Clinical Director