A rewarding walk for wellbeing

Walking for your own wellbeing is good any time you do it. But it can be even better when it brings people together for a common purpose. Last year, Sarah Wyatt completed her own walk, helping to raise vital funds for our work, as part of World Mental Health Day.

Sarah’s daughter Emily is part of the Communications team at the Trust. It’s how Sarah found out about our important work and it’s why she signed up for the ‘virtual’ Walk for Wellbeing last October.

‘Virtual’ means you can walk where and when you choose, which suited Sarah. She explains: “It was perfect for me because there were no restrictions on timings. I have a caring role at home so I can’t always get away. I also have a poorly foot so it was great that I could spread the walk over a couple of days."

Sarah set herself the challenge of walking 10K over the weekend and was blessed with beautiful sunny weather. “On the Saturday, I walked with my husband Paul along by the seaside where we live, and it was lovely to have quality time with him,” says Sarah. “Walking outside and having all the sights, smells and sounds around just makes you feel happier.”

She achieved 6.5K that day and then completed the rest of the distance the next day walking around London, after going to the theatre with Emily. She says: “It was lovely spending time with Emily. The only challenge was that my foot was playing up but knowing that you’re doing it for a good cause keeps you going.”

“It’s very rewarding. You feel good getting out in the fresh air and you’re also helping others – it’s an amazing charity. What more can you ask for?”

Completing the walk has inspired Sarah to sign up for another walk, in particular a virtual one, and to encourage others to do the same. “I would certainly recommend others to take part,” she says. “You can fit it around other things and do it in stages as well. My husband enjoyed it too and we’ll definitely be doing more.

“It’s very rewarding. You feel good getting out in the fresh air and you’re also helping others – it’s an amazing charity. What more can you ask for?”