On Saturday 17th June 2023 we embarked on our first ever fundraising event, an 8 mile hike along The Great Ridge walk in the breath taking beauty of the Peak District!
Our Mission: to raise funds for The Hike With Mike Foundation, a cause very close to our hearts.
So how did we get involved?
It all began when we discovered The Hike With Mike Foundation on Instagram, learning all about the incredible work they do to help people in need of mental health support. Having had the pleasure of joining them on a couple of hikes, we were deeply touched by the warm welcome from Mike and his fantastic team of ambassadors.
We were determined to rally behind them and raise as much money as possible to help them with their invaluable work.
With a group of 20 enthusiastic hikers laced up and ready to embark on the hike, we kicked off our journey in the charming and picturesque village of Castleton.
Photo by Benjamin Elliott on Unsplash
From there, we set off towards the village of Hope where we joined the trail for the ascent up to Lose Hill. This was arguably the most challenging part of the hike! Fortunately, after a week of glorious sunshine and temperatures reaching 27 degrees, we were blessed with cooler temperatures and even a bit of rain, providing a welcome relief during the steep climb.
After a quick rest at Lose Hill, we continued our hike along to Back Tor before reaching Mam Tor, a popular place amongst tourists and visitors , not surprising when you experience the amazing views from the top! This was an ideal place to stop for lunch and enjoy a well-earned rest! It was also the place to be to get some photos of the group and the panoramic views!
Photo by Greg Willson on Unsplash
When everyone was ready, we made our way back to Castleton which thankfully was all downhill from Mam Tor! The route took us through Winnats Pass, another scenic and inspiring place – the perfect way to bring the hike to an end.
Back in Castleton we all knew there was one thing we couldn’t skip- the local pub! In true Hike With Mike fashion, we all celebrated with a refreshing pint, toasting not only our incredible efforts on the hike but also the amazing amount of money we had raised for The Hike With Mike Foundation!
When we began planning, our initial target was to raise £500 – a goal we believed we could achieve and one that would make a real impact. But we were astonished to find that, even before starting the hike, we had already collected an incredible £900! Fuelled by the overwhelming support, we set our sights higher, hoping to reach £1000. And guess what? We did it! The final amount in the fundraising pot was an incredible £1085!
Thank you to everyone 😁
We are beyond grateful for the overwhelming generosity and kindness shown by everyone involved. From the hikers who joined us on this unforgettable journey to every single person who supported us through donations, you have all made a difference. Your contributions will go a long way in providing much needed mental health support to those who need it most.
A special shout out goes to Mike and the entire team at The Hike With Mike Foundation. Your dedication and hard work inspire us daily. As someone who has faced depression, anxiety and loneliness at different stages of life, I can personally attest to the importance of your mission. You are truly saving lives, and there’s nothing more significant than that. Keep up the amazing work!
For more information on Mind Buddy and our upcoming events, follow us on Instagram and Facebook @wearemindbuddy. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to those who need it most.
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