Follow inspirational Hull man as he walks from MKM Stadium to Buckingham Palace

A Hull man who has got through depression thanks to a local charity will soon be setting off on an incredible fundraising walk starting in the city and finishing at Buckingham Palace.

Danny Blakemore, 32, said he suffered depression after selling his gourmet takeaway business Nineteen91 in 2020 and was helped by Hull and East Yorkshire Mind. On June 19, he will depart MKM Stadium to walk roughly 200 miles to Buckingham Palace in London, raising awareness about mental health and money for the charity in the process.

He has already smashed his initial £1,000 fundraising target and is now about £700 shy of reaching £2,000 which would provide essential money for the counselling and advice service.

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Incredibly, this epic five-day challenge comes after he had surgery for a slipped disc that was pressing on his sciatic nerve. Danny said: "I'm all ready to go and I was training every day and the aching seems to have gone now so I'm in a really good place and looking forward to getting going."

Explaining his link to Hull and East Yorkshire MIND, Danny said: "Back in 2020 I sold my business and I went through a really difficult time in my mind. I really struggled with depression myself and Hull Mind was one of these charities that really helped me.

"I just want to give something back. Originally I was going to do a 758-mile walk and that was nearly three years ago but I slipped a disc in my back and I couldn't walk so it had to be put on hold.

"I had surgery in November I felt like this was a good time to get back to it, obviously on a smaller scale. The slipped disc was pushing on my sciatic nerve so obviously it was really painful to move."

Danny said the outpouring of support has helped to keep him motivated. Hall Road Rangers FC have made collections on their game days to raise money and he's also had donations via his JustGiving page and sponsorships from local businesses.

He said: "The support I've had had been absolutely crazy. I've raised £1,300 so far and still going and I've managed to get sponsorships as well from AKN Home Improvement Ltd and Easy Maintenance Subscription. We've been sent a load of gear from Rands Solicitors in Scunthorpe, so the support has been really good.

"Target Sports has also given me a printed jumper and a flag to walk with as well so try and advertise and raise awareness for Hull MIND a little bit." Danny added: "It's always easier when you've you've got people supporting you."

Danny said he's had lots of messages on Facebook wishing him well and other people sharing their own stories of depression. "With depression, you can be surrounded by people all the time but it's the loneliest place in the world," he said.

The fact people have spoken out about what they are going through and started a conversation about mental health "is the overall aim", Danny added. "If they are speaking to me, hopefully they are speaking to charities as well and people who are qualified and can help them through it."

Danny will be doing Facebook Lives throughout the walk, which he estimated will take six days with overnight stops at campsites. He will be completely alone to add to the challenge but people can cheer him along but following his Facebook page Trek4Minds.

With £700 still to go to the £2,000 target, people are welcome to donate on Danny's JustGiving page for Hull and East Yorkshire Mind. People can also wish Danny luck in person when he sets off from MKM Stadium at midday on Wednesday, June 19.