Yep, I'm actually doing this!

I am going to skate the distance equal to my house in Carlisle to Princes Street in Edinburgh.

Why my house?
Because I live there and it's cosy. It's got cats in it.

Why Edinburgh?
Because it has many special memories for me.

What is the distance?
91.3 miles, 147.9 kilometers or 244,889 steps!

When and where?
I will skate as often as I can over the summer, mostly on weekends, at Watchtree Nature Reserve, Melbourne Park, the Caldew River Trail and the Harraby cycle track. I plan on posting photos and videos to let you all know how I'm getting on, and I'll post distance updates!

How can you help?
Donate! Donate as much as you are able, even if it's £5 a month on payday until I complete my challenge. Or, if you want, come and skate with me. I will do the majority of this distance by myself, but if you can spare an hour to skate with me that would help so much, and I'll count your distance towards my goal! Help a guy out!

Why Carlisle Eden Mind?
Looking after your mental health is such an important thing to do, and the support that CEM offer is invaluable.

My story
I have struggled with my mental health as long as I can remember, since I was very young. I still struggle today, more so over the last few years with some huge things happening in my life. I never used to understand it very well, but getting support from CEM has helped me to realise just how important self care is, and how poor mental health is just as serious and painful as poor physical health.
I have struggled particularly with anxiety and depression, sometimes having panic attacks so severe that I think I'm dying. It can be very scary, but with help from CEM, I've managed to learn how to control these attacks and try to remain positive. I couldn't have done this without support from CEM, my partner, my family and my friends. I feel extremely lucky to have a fantastic support network around me, I try to thank my loved ones as much as I can, but I think the best way to thank Carlisle Eden Mind is to raise some money so they can continue to help people!

This is a big challenge for me, those who know me know that last year I was using a walking stick after a painful back injury, and I still struggle with pain. I put on a lot of weight, I fell into a deep depression and the worst part for me was not being able to skate. I feel like I'm ready to get back into it now, and what better way?

Please donate as much as you can, and please come and skate with me or cheer me on :)

Garryck xx

Skating log - 

2018
13th April - 4 miles - 87.3 remain
20th April - 2 miles - 85.3 to go
11th May - 5 miles - 80.3 remaining
10th June - 6 miles - 74.3 left
19th July - 4 miles - 70.3 remain
28th Sept - 0.3 miles - 70 remaining
5th Oct - 0.5 miles - 69.5 to go
13th Dec - 7 miles - 62.5 remain

2019
4th Jan 2019 - 5 miles - 57.5 left
11th Jan - 1 mile - 56.5 remaining

18th Jan - 3.5 miles - 53 left
24th Jan - 7.5 miles - 45.5 remain
14th Feb - 8.3 miles - 37.2 remain
8th Mar - 3.5 miles - 33.7 remain
14th Mar - 3 miles - 30.7 remain
28th Mar - 1 mile - 29.7 remain
19th Apr - 6 miles - 23.7 remain
27th Apr - 8 miles - 15.7 remain