As an experienced expedition leader, Stu Skinner is no stranger to big adventures. Last year’s Postcards from the Peaks challenge saw him climb peaks in the UK’s 15 national parks, in a pair of flip flops, while carrying a 26kg post box.
For Stu, it was a way of tackling loneliness by inviting people to join him on the hikes and getting them to write postcards from the peak to those who might be experiencing their own form of isolation. It helped him move forward through depression, heartbreak and uncertainty, and for those who walked with him, it was the opportunity to share what they were carrying and to discover that it is not necessary to be alone. It’s a story of endurance and connection, with over 250 people joining him and more than 1000 postcards despatched. Success in itself but it also resulted in Stu being awarded an MBE for services to mental health, outdoor leadership and community engagement.
This month, Stu, 45 and from Weymouth, set off from Carlisle to walk the length of the UK carrying the same post box to encourage conversations across the country and to raise funds for Head Outside, the charity he founded which aims to support and recognise projects making nature and outdoor activities accessible to people facing mental health challenges. His 650 mile journey will end in Portland Bill, Dorset around December 20th and he’d love people to join him on his travels. ‘Just come along and walk, chat and enjoy the feeling of someone walking beside you.’ The route deliberately passes through towns and cities, and you can see where he is, and where to meet him daily on Instagram .
He will be stopping off in London to show the film made about Postcards from the Peaks in Ellis Brigham, Covent Garden, London, on Thursday 8th October. Tickets cost £8 and proceeds go to Head Outside. He was invited along by Mark Brigham, when they met at the Kendal Mountain Festival and then hiked up Pen Y Fan together, one of the first peaks in Stu’s challenge.
Mark’s grandfather, Ellis, set up his business in a two up two down in Manchester over 90 years ago. He could be found there, dressed head to toe in Harris Tweed, nailing bespoke patterns in boots and running spikes. He always wore a trilby and had a pencil behind his ear. There are now 14 stores around the country, still leading the way in innovation and quality products to make adventures in the outdoors as comfortable and safe as possible. Of course, mental health was not something generally discussed back then, especially by men, but it is something the third generation of Brighams is very conscious of and supportive of.
Keep an eye here for other inspiring events: https://www.ellis-brigham.com/about-us/whats-on
including Run Clubs, film nights, exclusive product launches and competitions.
Picture of Stu by the waterfall: courtesy of RBU film
