Fresh off completing his Million Steps Challenge that saw him raise £12,075 for Shout 85258, Stadium Manager Ian Darler B.E.M is now taking it one 'step' further...
Ian is aiming to raise a whopping £50,000 for Shout 85258 - the Club's Mental Health partner - by walking the equivalent distance from London to Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup. An incredible 3229 nautical miles.
Having personally suffered from depression and PTSD, Ian is eager to continue spreading awareness and raising money in the aid of Mental Health.
"After hitting rock bottom some years ago, I am now thankfully in a much better place and have come through one of the most challenging periods in my life," Ian said. "It is so important to discuss our Mental Health and to not allow each other to suffer in silence - like I did - which is why I now want to keep the conversation and the fundraising going.
"The statistics surrounding depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm and suicide are absolutely frightening. We still have such a long way to go, which is why I would implore everyone who can to play their part and make a donation.
"The Million Steps challenge was a real challenge, but also a very humbling experience and I expect nothing less this time around."
Victoria Hornby, CEO of charity Mental Health Innovations, which powers Shout 85258, said, "We are incredibly grateful to Ian for undertaking such an epic fundraising challenge for Shout by walking to the Qatar World Cup.
"Every day, we are currently taking 2,400 conversations with children and adults across the UK who are struggling to cope with suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness and much more. Every penny raised will enable us to take conversations that could save lives. Thank you Ian and good luck, I can’t wait to join you somewhere along the way!”
To donate towards Ian's campaign, please visit his fundraising page.