Tony holding his certificate at the end of the challenge.

Hiker Tony Clark

Tony's fundraising journey

Why are you fundraising for YoungMinds?

An increasing number of young people and their parents/carers are needing support to help them with their mental health.

My eldest son has struggled with his mental health for some years which led to an anorexia nervosa diagnosis in 2019. I want others to have access to support.

How did you fundraise for YoungMinds?

The ultimate event was The Cotswold Way Ultra hike on 24 June where I walked 100km in less than 24 hours. I also completed the 50 mile Woldsman in April as part of the same fundraising. This took 15.5 hours.

A view of the sunset on Tony's trail.
A sign on Tony's trail reading 75KM.
A view of grassy hills on Tony's trail.
Tony holding his certificate at the end of the challenge.

About Tony

I’m a very young 51 years of age and I work as a financial planner for a national advice firm. I have enjoyed cycling, running and, more latterly, hiking over the years.

I am very happily married to Jane and have two lads: Connor, 19 and Charlie, 17, as well as our border collie, Jasta, who turns 5 this summer.

I love music and am a huge Brighton & Hove Albion fan, though I’ve lived in North Yorkshire with Jane for over 22 years.

Why is mental health important to you?

I have had a period of mental illness in recent years. I managed to overcome this but now know the impact that poor mental health can have on people and they often also feel guilt as they have good lives.

One of my lads is struggling now and it is infinitely harder for a teenager to have the same thought processes, dialogue and support as adults.

What three words describe you best?

  • Fun

  • Committed

  • Passionate

Meet more of our fundraisers

  • Cam and Charlie on their hike in New Zealand.

    Cam and Charlie are trekking the 'e Araroa Trail in New Zealand in support of their loved ones who have struggled with mental health, and in memory of Sophie Bales.

  • Holty's Boys are cycling from London to Brussels between Wednesday 3 September and Friday 5 September.

  • Sofia took on the 10k Winter Ultra Challenge at the start of this year and has a skydive booked for September.

Looking for your next challenge?

Whether you want to climb a mountain, hold a car boot sale, run a marathon or organise a quiz night, there are so many ways to raise funds for us.

However you choose to fundraise, our events team will support you the whole way.

Get started with fundraising
opens in new window