DAY ONE
The first day of the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter’s (MIMHC) second annual charity hike drew to a close yesterday (Sunday 11th May), marking the start of a 140-mile, six-day trek to raise money and awareness around mental health.
The event is raising money for the Niall Stringer Foundation, with a £10,000 target for donations, which can be added to here.
Last year the event aimed for – and surpassed – a fundraising target of £5,000, raised for Young Minds.
A group of industry professionals will undertake a the trek, covering the full length of the Grand Union Canal – from Birmingham to London – covering over 140 miles to raise awareness for mental health in the mortgage sector.
Each day will commence at a specific start point, allowing walkers to join as and when they are able throughout the week.
The day-one walkers were: Jason Berry – Crystal Specialist Finance and MIMHC, Dev Malle – Simplify, Kath Stagg – Stagg Mortgages, Michelle Ward – Virgin Money, Pete Gwilliam – Virtus Search, Georgia Smith – Buckinghamshire BS, Roger Morris – Chetwood Bank, Mark Montgomery – Simplify, and Nicky Haworth – Rockstead Group.
The group set off from Birmingham Moor Street Station at 8.30am, ending in London on Friday 16th May.
The aim of the six-day event is to encourage connection and conversation, as well as raising awareness and support for mental health in the mortgage industry, and demonstrating what teamwork and purpose can achieve.
Day One saw the team go from Birmingham Digbeth to Hatton Locks, covering 23 miles, with sunshine with a light breeze providing the perfect walking conditions.
Berry said: “We’re off! High spirits as we began our journey from central Birmingham this morning. It didn’t take long before laughter and chat set the tone for the week ahead.
“Starting in the heart of the UK’s second city reminded us that the mortgage industry thrives on community.
“Today was about reconnecting – with others and with ourselves. There’s something special about moving forward with purpose, one step at a time.”
The theme for the first day of the walk was ‘Beginning with Intention’ – the group was encouraged to talk about why they are doing the walk, creating a deeper sense of unity and a reminder that mental health touches everyone in some way.
Day two will see the team head further south along the Grand Union Canal, starting at Hatton Locks near Warwick and moving down to Braunston Marina.
Daily Shout-Outs:
Berry praised Stagg for finishing the last two miles in her flip-flops, and Ward for “a second wind like I’ve never seen before.”
He added: “Amazing what a Costco platter can do for those energy levels – top work by all the day one team with energy, fun stories, and smiles all around.”
