Harrogate MD to walk to John O' Groats for Wellspring charity and highlight mental health

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Chris Brown founded Ethos in 2007 after a career of over 20 years in banking where he arranged chauffeur and private hire finance for an impressive range of clients.

His current epic charity walk - the equivalent of journeying by foot from Land’s End to John O’Groats - is the first time he has attempted this sort of thing, though he has done a few fundraising activities in the past, including a CEO sleepout two years ago for the Harrogate Homeless Project.

And he did once complete a journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats in an electric car to test if the UK's charging infrastructure was adequate for long-distance travelling.

Already in his new mission, there have been a lot of aches and pains, though, luckily, no blisters have appeared yet.

But it is all worth it in the cause of the Harrogate charity Chris is supporting - Wellspring, a confidential mental health support charity.

And it's not all about fundraising. Chris is also encouraging those people who are potentially not in a position to donate - and those who can donate - to pick up the phone and give someone they may be worried about a five-minute call.

Chris said: "You don’t what they are going through and that call could mean a lot more than it appears."

Wellspring is a charity close to Chris's heart. He is close to numerous people who have suffered with their mental health.

Furthermore, he is doing this for all those who have been/still are going through hardship with the pandemic.

As a business owner and a parent, he has first-hand experience of how tough this year has been.

Chris said: "Wellspring is a fantastic local charity which works hard to help those suffering.

"No matter what the circumstances, they are there to help. They work with the homeless, children and anyone who needs them."

At the moment, Chris, who has two children who went to local schools and also has been coaching a local football team for more than six years, is sticking close to Harrogate, walking mainly around Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs, due to the national lockdown restricting him from going further afield.

Chris runs Ethos, his asset finance company which operates across the UK, from its base on Railway Road in Harrogate.

His epic walk is not the first time he has supported Wellspring. About a year ago, Ethos hosted a charity lunch for the charity, as well as the Harrogate Homeless Project.

The question this time is, will Chris complete his challenge by Christmas Eve?

He said: "It’s getting easier as I get into a rhythm, but there is still a long way to go.

"Hopefully, if I can avoid injuries and awful weather I should be finished by Christmas Eve."

To donate to Chris's charity mission for Wellspring, visit:

Virgin Money Giving page: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ChrisBrown192

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