University Professor to Embark on 185-Mile Walk for Children’s Mental Health Charity
A renowned psychology professor from the University of Bolton is about to take on a monumental task in support of children’s mental health. At the age of 67, Professor Jerome Carson will be walking 185 miles in just seven days to raise funds for MedEquip4Kids, a charity that helps improve children’s mental health in schools.
The journey will begin on Saturday, July 20 at 10am, starting from the MedEquip4Kids office in Manchester and ending at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk on Saturday, July 27.
The purpose of this sponsored walk is twofold. Firstly, it aims to raise money for the Hummingbird Project, a six-week course based on positive psychology that is delivered by MedEquip4Kids. This program aims to improve the mental wellbeing of children in both primary and secondary schools.
Secondly, the walk will serve as a spiritual journey for Professor Carson. A devout attendee of the Catholic Church of the Holy Infant and St. Anthony in Astley Bridge, Bolton, this will be his first pilgrimage. He will be undertaking the walk alone, which will be a significant challenge as he has never walked more than 20 miles in a day.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham is a site of great importance for both Anglicans and Catholics. Dating back to 1061, it is the main Marian shrine in England. As part of the pilgrimage tradition, pilgrims walk the last mile barefoot to the Slipper Chapel. Professor Carson will be honoring this tradition during his walk.
The Hummingbird Project is a unique collaboration between MedEquip4Kids, the University of Bolton, the University of Chester, and the Open University. The program involves young people completing questionnaires before and after the six-week course, and the results have shown significant improvements in their wellbeing, levels of hope, and reductions in mental health symptoms.
Currently, the Hummingbird Project has benefited nearly 6,500 students from primary and secondary schools in Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Merseyside. The hope is to expand this project nationally and internationally.
Professor Carson stated, “The increasing concern for children’s mental health, especially during the pandemic, has been a growing issue over the past decade. The Hummingbird Project incorporates the latest research from positive psychology to help young people thrive and make the most out of life. We want to extend these benefits to thousands more.”
With only two months to prepare for walking approximately 25 miles a day, Professor Carson is determined to complete this journey. The last day will be the shortest in terms of distance. As he is now 67, he wanted to give back and make a difference in children’s lives.
He added, “We owe it to our children to provide them with the best possible start in life. I hope to raise thousands of pounds to help improve young people’s mental health.”
To support Professor Carson on his journey and make a donation, please visit his Just Giving page at “Jerome Carson is fundraising for MedEquip4Kids” (justgiving.com). A gift of £50 will cover the cost of one young person to receive the Hummingbird Project course.
