Flying the flag 100 miles for better mental health!
Last weekend, two incredible individuals, Wayne Kirby, Head of Services at Devon Mind, and Ricky Callow, local PT and business owner, ran 3 ultra marathons in 3 days across the county to help raise vital funds and awareness within the local communities we provide support.
The mamouth Coast to Coast challenge took place along one of the finest long-distance routes of the UK National Cycle Network, starting at Ilfracombe on Friday 14 March at 9:30am and finishing on the Plymouth Hoe on Sunday afternoon.
Throughout the weekend, members of the Devon Mind team hosted awareness-raising pitstops to provide en-route support and also engage with members of our community about our core support services.
Day 1 — 31 miles from Ilfracombe to Great Torrington, via Braunton, Barnstaple and Bideford
Day 2 — 35 miles from Great Torrington to Lydford, via Petrockstowe, Highampton, Hatherleigh, and Okehampton
Day 3 — 34 miles from Lydford to Plymouth, via Mary Tavy, Peter Tavy, Tavistock, and Marsh Mills
From everyone at Devon Mind, we would like to say the biggest thank you and congratulations to Wayne and Ricky for all of their support in completing such an incredible challenge for better mental health. We have all been continually inspired and blown away by their efforts and dedication throughout the three days. Alongside the fundraising, Wayne and Ricky were also passionate about raising awareness of the importance of connection and movement, and the difference it can have on both our mental and physical wellbeing. Thank you to everyone who joined the guys en route, providing the community spirit and motivation throughout the 100 miles.
Wayne and Ricky set themselves an ambitious target to raise £3,000 to help enable more people across Devon to access new activities to support positive mental and physical wellbeing. We would love to help them reach their goal for all the miles they have completed.
“Having now completed the ‘Coast to Coast’ challenge, I have been reflecting on what an absolute privilege it has been to be able to undertake such a challenge, and that this was much bigger than just Ricky and I, this was very much a team effort. There were so many aspects of the challenge that I loved; from the actual physical challenge of running at least 5-6 hours a day to the mental and emotional challenge, and enduring extreme tiredness and questioning one’s ability to complete each day.
We connected with so many people along the way who supported us and it was these interactions and shared experiences which were so enjoyable and an absolute pleasure. The scenery along the way was fantastic and there were long moments where I would just think how lucky I was to be running along and raising money for a fantastic charity. The ‘Coast to Coast’ challenge will be something I’ll never forget and hold dearly for the rest of my life.”
We would also like to extend a huge thank you to the businesses who generously supported and donated hospitality for the challenge.
The Devonian Guest House, Ilfracombe, for providing pre-challenge accommodation
The Fox & Hounds Hotel, Lydford, for providing accommodation on Day 2
The Waterfront Plymouth, for hosting the finish line celebrations
The various supermarkets and gyms across the county, for allowing us to host the awareness-raising pitstops
Check out the amazing pictures below from the Coast to Coast event!
“What made this Coast to Coast 100-mile Ultra Marathon experience even more worthwhile was seeing individuals from all walks of life, people facing their own personal battles, whether through trauma, grief, or struggles with their mental health, come out, move, run, walk, beep in their cars when passing, ask questions, donate, hold signs, and also open up. The courage to speak in a space free of judgment, where openness is welcomed, is truly powerful.
This weekend was a beautiful reminder... seeing people come together, share their experiences, and support one another was nothing short of inspiring and it showed that these moments of connection can change everything.”