Charlee & Shaney's Great Big Walk for Herts Mind Network 2024

Friends for 18 years, we’ve set ourselves the challenge of walking 13 miles for Mind in the Great Big Hertfordshire Walk. Shaney has been a dedicated childminder for over 20 years, while Charlee works at a local secondary school and volunteers for Childline. Our shared experiences as parents of teenagers and young adults have given us a deep understanding of how the pressures of today’s world can impact young people’s mental health. Sadly, many struggle to access the resources and support they need. By supporting Mind, we believe we can make a meaningful difference in providing the crucial assistance these young people deserve.

 

Our passion for supporting the mental health of young people goes beyond words—it’s a mission we live by. We’ve both participated in fundraising for night walks and supported hospice and cancer charities, driven by a commitment to help those in need. This time, our focus is on ensuring that the next generation has the support they need to navigate life’s challenges. We believe walking is not just a fantastic exercise for physical health, but also a powerful tool for mental well-being. Our regular weekly walks provide us with more than just health benefits—they’re a vital part of maintaining our own mental health and a cherished time to connect with each other. By taking on this 13-mile walk, we’re not only challenging ourselves physically, but we’re also standing up for local children and young people in Hertfordshire, showing them that they are not alone and that their mental health matters.

 

Through our journey, we hope to inspire others to recognize the importance of mental health and to join us in supporting Mind. Together, we can create a community where every young person feels supported, valued, and empowered to seek the help they need.