|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
A scaffolder from Yorkshire is preparing to take on a gruelling 230-mile trek across England to raise money for men’s mental health charity, Andy’s Man Club.
Harry Ingham, a Part 2 scaffolder with Burflex Scaffolding Ltd, will be running and walking with a 23kg backpack as he embarks on an epic journey. Setting off from Southport on the west coast on 22 March, he aims to reach Hornsea on the east coast in just eight days.
His journey along the Trans Pennine Trail will see him cover more than a marathon a day in a bid to highlight the issue of male suicide and mental health struggles, particularly within the construction industry.
The challenge is deeply personal for Ingham, who has battled his own mental health issues. A former soldier, he served three and a half years in the military before being medically discharged.
In the years that followed, he faced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the breakdown of family relationships, and a gambling addiction – struggles that led him to the brink of suicide.
He spoke about his darkest moment to Scaffmag: “A little over two and a half years ago, I hit rock bottom. I had all the intentions of ending it.
I didn’t want to leave the house, see friends or family, and even getting up for work felt like a chore. But thanks to a great circle of friends, my little family, my son, and Andy’s Man Club, I found support when I needed it the most.”
Andy’s Man Club is a peer support group that encourages men to open up about their mental health, offering a safe space to talk without fear of judgment. The charity has been instrumental in Ingham’s recovery, and he is now determined to prove that “no matter how low you get, you can bounce back and achieve big things with the right guidance.”
According to statistics, 12 men in the UK take their own lives every day—two of whom work in construction.
“There’s a stigma around men and mental health. People think we don’t talk or let our emotions out, but that needs to change,” he added.
Ingham’s challenge will take him through key locations, including Liverpool, Warrington, Stockport, Barnsley, Doncaster, Selby, Hull, and finally, Hornsea. He encourages people to join him for parts of the walk and even celebrates with him at the finish line.
With weeks to go before he sets off, he is calling for donations to support the cause.
To contribute, visit his JustGiving page: Harry’s Fundraising Page.
