Pedal power!
Following in the pedal strokes of our own Fundraising Development Officer Beth Towler, Richard Levell, Director of Clinical Training at the Charlie Waller Institute, will be completing the same epic journey from John O’Groats to Lands End this summer. His aim is to raise funds for the Trust and help to end the stigma around mental illness.
During June, Richard will be spending 12 consecutive days in the saddle, completing an average of 84 miles every day – a total of 1,000 miles and 55,000ft of ascent! Richard says: “While it will be physically demanding, every mile will be motivated by the vital work of the Charlie Waller Trust.”
Firsthand experience
Richard is Director of Clinical Training and Head of Section for our sister organisation, the Charlie Waller Institute (CWI), based at the University of Reading. CWI trains clinicians in evidence-based psychological treatments, evaluates the effectiveness of the training and undertakes research to add to the evidence base for effective psychological treatments.
Before that, Richard spent eight years leading early help services in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, witnessing firsthand the critical importance of early intervention.
He describes his determination to raise money for the Charlie Waller Trust as “both professional and deeply personal.
A personal commitment
“Personally, my commitment to wellbeing extends to my community. I’ve increasingly focused on mental health as chairman of my local Roundtable, especially after the recent tragic loss of a dear friend and member to suicide. This loss, and the challenges faced by young people I’ve supported throughout my career, are the driving force behind every mile I will pedal.”
We wish Richard all the best in both his training and the ride itself.
