Marcus's Movers - funding mental health walking groups all over Britain

Marcus Skeet's life was transformed by walking and running - the teenager went from the lowest possible ebb to becoming a record-breaking charity fundraiser and 2025 Pride of Britain Award winner.

Now a new initiative from Mind, in his name, aims to provide community groups that champion physical activity and improve mental health.

Marcus's Movers will be local groups set up by Mind, where people can join for a walk or a run alongside a qualified mental health practitioner.

Every £2,500 raised through this GoFundMe will pay to set up a new Marcus's Movers group. If enough money is raised to pay for the entire Marcus's Movers programme. Any additional funds raised will be used to support Mind in their work to ensure that no mind is left behind. This includes through services like their helplines and online communities, and campaigning for change and challenging the stigma.

Marcus is a truly inspirational example of the mental health and wellbeing benefits of getting active outdoors.

Marcus was 12 when he became a carer for his dad after he was diagnosed with dementia. The youngster’s physical and mental health rapidly declined and he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and intrusive thoughts which dramatically impacted his life.

At 15 he was in “one of the darkest places”, and attempted suicide after spending months alone in his room with no contact with the outside world.

Desperate to turn his life around, Marcus, now 17, started walking short distances at first, before building up distance and speed until he was jogging longer routes.

He says: “My mental health was at an all time low so I decided to run, not just for mental health but to raise awareness. Running pushed my body and mind and the feeling after a run was like nothing else.”

Since then, Marcus has raised more than £160,000 for Mind through running, including a run from Land’s End to John O’Groats. The gruelling 874 mile challenge saw him become the youngest person ever - and the first under 18 - to run the entire length of the UK.

Marcus has documented his journey on social media in the hopes of inspiring others who are struggling with their mental health. He says: “Life is brutal, sometimes you feel like you’re in a place you can’t get out of. But I promise you, every road may have speed bumps but you’ll get over them. Mental health is such a big thing, everyone is different but I find running helps mine.”