Dev Malle (pictured, right), chief business development officer at Simplify, has been walking alongside Jason Berry (pictured, left), co-founder of the MIMHC and group sales director at Crystal Specialist Finance, since Sunday 11 May.
He said one of the interesting things he had noticed so far was when it was coming to the end of the day, but there were still some miles to go, people were still encouraging each other.
Secondly, Malle said the discussions and conversations happening during the walk highlighted how mental health challenges affected many people.
“I’m yet to come across a person who hasn’t either personally experienced or had someone close to them go through quite [a] traumatic situation as a result of mental illness,” Malle said.
“That’s motivating and inspiring in itself, hearing what people have been through and their resilience to it, but also, them sharing what helped and the moments they realised they needed support,” he added.
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The walkers have broken through the £4,000 donation barrier, and specialist lender Together has agreed to match the money raised if it hits £5,000.
Malle said the momentum was still going and he was confident they could meet their £10,000 target, but wanted to exceed this.
A positive atmosphere
Malle said those walking had been “blessed with the sunshine” but did get caught up in Monday’s short thunderstorm. Paul Purewal, corporate relationship manager at Coventry Building Society, had a positive reaction to this, saying “we were hit with thunder but not a single drop of negativity”.
On the first day, those taking part walked from Birmingham Moor Street, along the canal, then to Hatton Locks. On the second day, they walked from Hatton Locks to Braunston Marina. Today, they are walking from Broadstone Marina to Milton Keynes, then on Wednesday, from Milton Keynes to Luton. On Thursday, they are walking from Luton to Watford, and then on Friday, from Watford to London – where the walk will end.
This will be closed with a reception held by Landbay.
Malle said he and Jason were holding up well and had only used one Compeed plaster each so far.
“The leggers have been phenomenal in terms of conversations, turning up, and giving up their time. Not only is it the whole day, but also the logistics of starting in one location and ending up somewhere else. People are working out lifts with each other or getting Ubers and trains back. It’s phenomenal; the time, energy and effort people are putting into it so they can support.
“Also, when we finish at the end of the day, we get many messages of support and people pledging donations, which really motivates us to carry on and reminds us why we’re doing it,” he added.
Malle said everyone was different, as some people opened up about personal topics after a bit of conversation, and some even admitted they had not spoken to other people about these things. Others were able to speak openly about what they were going through because they were used to it.
“You hear the stories, and it makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up because you think, wow, when you think about that individual and the place they hold in the industry, you just would not know. That’s part of this whole thing, you can look at anyone and never know. That’s why it’s so important to be open to the conversation, initiate the conversation and support the conversation,” he said.
Malle said this was true in a work setting, but considering the Niall Stringer Foundation, it was also true among family and friends.
Malle and Berry will be walking until 16 May, with the last leg going from Watford to London Victoria. People across the mortgage sector are welcome to join them on their walk and can register here.
Money is being raised for the Niall Stringer Foundation, a charity aiming to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing through sports.
To donate, visit here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mimhc-niall-stringer
The walk coincides with Mental Health Awareness week, and the theme of this year is community.
