Two men from Tangmere and Chichester are setting off on a mammoth charity challenge today, walking hundreds of miles to raise money for men’s health.
Two men from Tangmere and Chichester are setting off on a mammoth charity challenge today, walking hundreds of miles to raise money for men’s health.
Kieran Parkinson, 28, and Bradley Harris, 23, will begin their journey at Selsey Bill this morning before making their way north to the summit of Ben Nevis.
The pair are aiming to cover around 586 miles on foot, camping along the route as they take on the demanding challenge.
Their journey will take them from the south coast of England to the highest mountain in Scotland, with Ben Nevis standing at more than 1,300 metres above sea level.
The challenge is being carried out in support of Movember, a charity which works to improve men’s health.
Movember focuses on some of the biggest health issues affecting men, including mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
Both Kieran and Bradley's mum's told V2 Radio, the lads might be in their 20's but it won't stop them worrying about them: "As mums, we are feeling an overwhelming mix of pride and anxiety.
"We are so incredibly proud of our sons for taking on something this big and walking all the way from Selsey to Ben Nevis. But at the same time, we can’t pretend we are not worried. It’s a long, tough journey, and as a parent, your mind naturally goes to all the “what ifs.” But what makes it so powerful is why they are doing it.
"Raising awareness for men’s mental health is deeply important, and knowing they are willing to push themselves physically and mentally to help others fills us with so much admiration.
"We will be supporting them, worrying about them, and cheering them on in equal measure every single step of the way."
Kieran and Bradley hope their long-distance walk will not only raise funds, but also encourage more conversations about men’s health and the importance of seeking support when it is needed.
The challenge will require both physical and mental resilience, with the pair facing changing weather, long days of walking and nights spent camping as they make their way towards Scotland.
Supporters are being encouraged to follow their progress and back their fundraising efforts as they take on the journey from Selsey Bill to Ben Nevis.
The walk is expected to be a major test of endurance, but also a powerful way to raise awareness for a cause that affects men and families across the UK.
Follow the charity walk here on Instagram: www.instagram.com/southtosummit26/
Donate here to support Kieran on his journey: https://movember.com/m/15527605?mc=1
Donate here to support Bradley on his journey: https://movember.com/m/15527606?mc=1
Get the latest BREAKING NEWS for the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today!
V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK is offering half-price deals on a wide range of experiences across the South, from meals out at local restaurants to tickets for some of the region’s biggest events.
What the local election results actually mean for people in the South
Portsmouth Water boss speaks directly to V2 Radio on the major changes in the water industry
LIVE BLOG: Local Election Results for West Sussex, East Sussex and Hampshire
New national study opens in Sussex to improve experiences of Mental Health Act assessments
A new Civil Engineering Training Centre is set to be developed at Brinsbury College.
Plans for flags in Chichester
Volunteers’ voices help shape improvements across SECAmb
Junior Citizen event boosts safety awareness for hundreds of local children in Arun and Chichester
Portsmouth Water marks Water Saving Week: Don’t let the good stuff go to waste
Major disruption on the rail network across the South
On Air