A Lancashire chef has set off on an epic 200-mile charity walk from the Blue Planet Aquarium to London.
Andrew McMaster, from Skelmersdale, is aiming to walk to Westminster to raise money for the mental health charity Mind.
The chef began his challenge at 10am on Monday, November 17 and hopes to complete the walk within eight days. Andrew decided to attempt the epic journey after tragically losing his uncle to suicide last year.
Andrew, who hopes to average 25 miles a day, said: “Mental health is something I feel very strongly about as it’s something that affects people from all walks of life; from Alzheimer’s or depression to anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorders or even something as extreme as suicide, which I sadly lost my uncle to last year.”
“As a result mental health is something I want to raise money for. Mind is such a wonderful organisation, however it exists purely from charity donations and fundraising.”
Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Local Mind groups support more than 250,000 people across England and Wales. Their services include supported housing, crisis helplines, drop-in centres, employment and training schemes, counselling and befriending.
Blue Planet Aquarium’s park director, Andy Hygate, said: “We’re delighted Andrew has chosen the aquarium to set off on this amazing personal challenge and we all wish him the best of luck.
“I’m sure it will be an incredibly difficult undertaking but the fact he is doing it for such a worthwhile and personal cause will hopefully give him the strength and determination he needs to achieve it.”
To donate and to find out the latest news on how Andrew is progressing, find ‘Liverpool to London 200 Mile Charity Trek’ on Facebook.
