Walkies for Wellbeing

Each year on 10th September, countries around the world commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day to raise awareness of the 800,000 people who die by suicide each year. This equates to one person every 40 seconds.

In the UK, suicide kills over 6000 people per year and is the biggest killer of men aged 20-49. More than 200 children and young people under the age of 18 die by suicide in the UK each year, a rate of four per week.

On 8th September last year, the Charlie Waller Trust hosted the inaugural “Beat the Black Dog” 10km trail run (the ‘black dog’ being a term for depression). Over 100 runners gathered in the Ogmore Valley, Bridgend, Wales, many of them ‘canicrossers’ running with their dogs. They completed a challenging route through valleys, streams and sheep tracks and the event was a huge success.

This year, the world changed dramatically due to COVID-19, and the plan to repeat the event had to be put on hold. However, the work of the Trust is more important than ever, so we wanted to give people the opportunity to join us for a virtual event – #walkiesforwellbeing – starting on 10th September, World Suicide Prevention Day, through to 10th October, which is World Mental Health Day.

Choose your own challenge, tell your friends, and run, jog or walk 10km at your own pace any time between 10th September (World Suicide Prevention Day) and 10th October (World Mental Health Day): or, if you’re feeling really energetic, you could do 10 x 10km Canitrail within the month!

Entry is £25 per person. You will receive a fabulous T-shirt with our new branding, and for a further £10 you’ll also get a wooden branded medal. Any further donations or fundraising you might do would obviously be hugely appreciated.

Please book your place by clicking 'Book now' above. If you booked your place via our old website form you do not have to register again. We have your details already.

If you are new to the concept of running with your dog, we recommend that you have a look at the Canicross website for important information about how to look after your dog’s wellbeing by ensuring they have the correct equipment - they have lots of hints and tips to get your started.

Please do photograph yourself completing the event as we would love to see your pictures! Tag us on social media using #WalkiesforWellbeing