A Northumbrian folk artist is launching a new annual charity trek along Hadrian's Wall this month to raise awareness for men's domestic abuse and mental health.
Walk of Hope Details
The Walk of Hope will see musician The Vykyng travel from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway over seven days. The event is set to take place from Sunday, June 28, to Saturday, July 4. This special journey aims to highlight the serious impact of abuse on men's mental health, suicide prevention, neurodiversity, and UK justice system injustices.
Charities Benefiting
Three important charities will benefit from the funds raised during the inaugural walk. The walk will support Harbour Domestic Abuse services, which helps people affected by abuse. It will also raise funds for The Tuke Centre to support ADHD and autism services. Additionally, the event will benefit Rethink Mental Illness to aid mental health support and advocacy.
Music and Message
As part of the campaign, the roots artist will also be promoting his single 'Hope'. The track is taken from his upcoming album Song at a Time, which is a project dedicated to mental health. This musical collection was created with the aim of helping others through music, honesty, and shared lived experience. The Vykyng creates music that explores survival, history, folklore, personal experience, and spiritual journeys.
Community Involvement
The Walk of Hope brings that message directly into the local landscape by using one of Britain's most iconic routes. The journey serves as a public act of hope, endurance, and vital awareness. This year's walk will be joined by musician, mentor, and photographer Miles Taylor. The organisers are warmly encouraging supporters to walk sections of the historic route. Local people can also get involved by raising funds, sharing their own stories, and helping to bring attention to issues that are often left unspoken.
