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FIVE LADS PLAN TO CARRY THE WEIGHT TOGETHER ACROSS THE WORCESTERSHIRE WAY TO RAISE MONEY FOR MENTAL HEALTH

  • Rob Jones
  • Feb 24
  • 3 min read
5 men Carrying the Weight to Raise fund for Worcestershire Mind.
Photo left to right: Alex, Jack, Jord, Ben and Jamie.


Five men from Worcestershire are planning on carrying an 85kg log, the average weight of a man, across the full length of the Worcestershire Way to raise money for mental health charity, Mind Worcestershire.

 

Alex Gibbs, Jamie Willis, and brothers, Jack and Ben Thompson have all been friends for 20+ years with Jordan Powell, the youngest in the group, joining the friendship group in the last few years.

 

The lads, who all live in Worcestershire, will be carrying the weight of the 85Kg log across the Worcestershire Way which starts in Bewdley and ends in Malvern - a total of 31 miles.

 

The challenge is set to take place across the Easter Bank Holiday weekend and will start on Friday 3rd April at 7am from Dog Lane Car Park in Bewdley and finish on Sunday 5th April in Great Malvern.

 

 Alex, who is from Peopleton, came up with the idea and encouraged his four best mates to get involved. Alex commented:


“We all have our own individual stories about struggling and going through difficult times, which have affected our mental health and there is too much stigma around talking about it.
“By carrying the log, the weight of an average man, we are trying to break down the stigma. Unfortunately, suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK, so we want to show men that it’s better to talk about problems and your feelings, when you are struggling. Sharing problems with friends is important, so we can carry the weight together, and we hope this encourages other men to open up and talk.”

 

Jordan added:

“The log has been adapted throughout our training so we can distribute the weight fairly and make it more comfortable for carrying across the different terrains, steep paths and alongside the water's edge. It is going to be a challenge to complete the Worcestershire Way and we are currently walking twice a week, with and without the log, and taking advantage of our half price membership courtesy of Wychavon Leisure Centre so we can improve our fitness levels.”

As well as donations, the lads are looking for support from local businesses and one of those supporting them is Peopleton Press Cider, who have supported the lads since Alex came up with the idea and will be providing a refuelling drinks station during the weekend too.

 

Jack continued:

“We are extremely grateful for all the support we have received so far and the likes of Peopleton Press making our fundraising journey all the more easier. We hope people will make donations and come out and support us on the bank holiday weekend along the Worcestershire Way.”

 

The lads are raising money for Mind Worcestershire and people can make donations via the Just Giving page:



Stats:

●        Five lads from Worcestershire aged between 36-26

●        A friendship based on 20+ years

●        One 85Kg log - the weight of an average man

●        31 miles to be completed across the Worcestershire Way across 3 days

●        Over 50 miles completed to date practicing walking and carrying the log

 
 
 

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