Ruth Barge

We did it!

✨️ We did it ✨️

Wayne and I decided to take on a 20km walking challenge for a couple of reasons, the first being that this is a truly amazing cause; raising awareness and fundraising for people and familes affected by mental health issues. But also a personal health challenge for us as we've never walked that far before 👣

We started off walking besides the canal which seemed to go on for miles and miles, wait it did 🤣  We then had dark parkland to navigate through and I was glad it was a Glow Walk as it was only the flashing lights from other walkers that lit the way ✨️

I thought it was quite rude that Cadbury didn't open their gates and factory for us to have a fuel stop 🍫💜 I would only have had a single bar, honest 😜 What I did think was kind of cool, was that the railings and street lamps were all painted in Cadbury purple 🟣

We encountered, dodgy back streets, flash floods, route diverts and unscheduled roadworks. Locked gates preventing us passing, cars tooting their horns, people cheering us on and getting separated from the main group😁 It all added to the adventure

There were points where I felt on a complete high ⬆️ had a genuine buzz and felt that this was going to be a breeze. But then we hit 18km and that's when we started to feel it. Both Wayne and I were suffering with feet, knee and back pain and and wanted to sit with a nice sweet cuppa somewhere ☕️

We were so close and giving up was not an option, we were committed 😃 and the end was in sight. One last push and through the Bull Ring we went 🐂 and we crossed the finish line 🥇

A quick hydration stop before back to the hotel to strip off, shower, take a load of painkillers and SLEEP 😴

Wayne and I want to genuinely thank every single person who has supported and encouraged us ❤️ Thank you for very generous donations. Wayne and I started with a combined fundraising target of £400 and we've raised £765!!! 🤯 That is absolutely incredible and that's all thanks to you 😊

#mentalhealthuk #glowwalk

5 Weeks to go

5 weeks to go until the Birmingham Glow Walk, and the prep is in full swing! 🏃‍♀️💪 Wayne, furbaby Roxy, and I managed to smash a 10km walk last weekend, so we’re halfway there! Roxy’s definitely leading the way – I think she’s enjoying the training more than we are. 😂

Now it’s time to keep those steps coming and work our way up to the full 20km. We’re getting closer, but we still need your support! Any donations, big or small, would mean the world and help raise vital funds for mental health support – a cause I’m really passionate about.

Thanks so much to everyone who’s already donated – you’re amazing! 🙌

I'm taking part 😊

This September, I am excited to take part in the Birmingham Glow Walk, a 20km challenge to raise vital funds for those affected by mental ill health. Mental health is a cause close to my heart, and I'm committed to making a difference.

Walking 20km is no small feat, but knowing that every step helps support mental health services makes it all worthwhile. These funds will provide essential resources and support for individuals struggling with mental health issues, offering them a lifeline when they need it most.

Join me in this journey by donating or cheering me on. Together, we can illuminate the path to better mental health for all. 🌟 #BirminghamGlowWalk #MentalHealthMatters #CharityChallenge