A Gwent man is walking from Caldicot Castle to Amsterdam to raise awareness of men’s mental health after he lost two of his friends to suicide.

Dan Simms, 24, has planned a 373-mile route that he plans to complete in two weeks. The money will be shared between the families of his two friends, and Andy’s Man Club, a men’s suicide prevention charity that encourages men to talk.

Visit Dan’s GoFundMe page to sponsor him

The Blaenau Gwent resident sets off on Saturday 24 February to cross the UK on a 201-mile trek to the port of Harwich. Following a ferry crossing to the Hook of Holland, he will walk 47 miles north to his finish line in Amsterdam.

Dan told Cwmbran Life: “I’ve done a lot of walks in the past. This time I wanted to do something ten times bigger than I’ve ever done.

“I’ve had two mates who’ve taken their own lives because of men’s mental health. I want to raise money in memory of the two lads that I’ve lost.

“I thought why not do a massive walk and do it for a good cause? I’m doing gym work, getting my mindset ready, trying to cover as many bases.

“It’s 373 miles in total and 248 miles walking distance (taking into account the ferry crossing).”

He’s booked “cheap accommodation” along the route but on some nights he will be camping, carrying a tent and sleeping bag in his rucksack.

Advice and support

If you need advice or support, call the Samaritans 24-hours day on 116 123.

Photo

Thanks to Leonie Roberts Photography for the main photo in this article. Follow her Facebook page here.