Lincolnshire Man's Marathon Walk to Benefit Mental Health Charities
Chris Jones, a resident of Lincolnshire and dedicated Freemason, has undertaken the enormous task of completing a 7,000-mile walk around the British coastline. The initiative is part of his efforts to raise funds for mental health charities.
Journey's Start and Current Progress
Commencing his journey in Skegness on New Year's Day, Jones has so far covered roughly 10 months of his adventure. Hitherto, he has raised an impressive sum in excess of £27,000 through generous donor contributions in person and a proposed book recounting his extraordinary journey. His present whereabouts put him in West Lancashire.
Mission Goal and Mental Health Support
Adept in Freemasonry under the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) for over a decade, Jones aims for this fundraiser to become one of the primary contributors to the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF). Funds accumulated will be directed towards mental health institutions. Jones himself sought help from the MCF during his struggle with mental health, crediting them with saving his life.
"I am convinced that MCF saved my life during my mental health crisis. I'm very open about my struggle with my mental health, and this is the main focus of this challenge. I have suffered for about 10 years, and the lowest points have cost me days and sometimes weeks of my life."
With his dwelling packed into a 30kg backpack and a tent that he uses for lodging most nights, Jones is determinedly traversing daily distances of 10 to 25 miles. Despite the workload, Jones finds comfort in his wife Michelle's sporadic presence and the occasional generosity of strangers offering him shelter during poor weather conditions.
Impressive Past and Commendation
Prior to this, Jones successfully ran an Independent School for approximately two decades, offering education to teenagers who struggled in mainstream education across Lincolnshire. The work of his staff, consisting largely of ex-police officers, soldiers, and airmen, impacted close to 5,000 young Lincolnshire residents.
"All of us at MCF are hugely impressed with Chris' magnificent accomplishments so far on his epic journey. Mental health is a key priority for us and I’m delighted that every penny Chris raises will be helping people to get the support they need. We wish him the very best of luck on the rest of his journey."
This was the sentiment expressed by Les Hutchinson, chief executive of the Masonic Charitable Foundation. Jones' progress is closely followed by loved ones at home, with his 10-year-old granddaughter Ava using his journey as a live geography project in school.
A Continued Journey
As he journeys further around the British coastline, Jones serves as an inspiration for others to seek help when necessary and to lend support in the ongoing struggle against mental health issues. Donations towards Chris’ worthy cause can be made on his fundraising page.