The Walk to Hope
Donation protected
Hi, I’m Matthew, and I’m fundraising for a 330-mile journey from Edinburgh to Ben Hope this May in aid of The Canmore Trust, a charity dedicated to suicide prevention and postvention in Scotland.
This isn’t just a walk. It’s a mission.
In 2019, I hit rock bottom. I came close to taking my own life.
That experience changed everything for me - how I see the world, how I connect with others, and what I want my life to stand for. My mission isn’t just to stop people from reaching that same dark place but to help create lives filled with purpose, connection, and growth.
That’s why I’m walking in aid of The Canmore Trust , a charity I hold close to my heart. I met its founder, John, at an event, and we’ve become close collaborators ever since. John’s son, Cameron, is the inspiration behind the charity - his life and legacy drive their mission to bring hope to those impacted by suicide.
In a meaningful twist, Cameron is also my last name, and that connection adds even more purpose to this journey.
The Challenge
This May, I aim to walk 330 miles over three weeks, starting in Edinburgh and ending at Ben Hope, the northernmost Munro in Scotland.
Nature is proven to be one of the most effective tools for supporting mental health, but three weeks in the wilderness is no walk in the park. This journey will be a serious mental and physical challenge, but it’s nothing compared to the challenges faced by those impacted by suicide.
I’ll also be documenting my training and the journey itself - capturing the highs, the lows, and the lessons along the way. This might even lead to future content, like a book or other projects, as a way to continue raising awareness and amplifying the impact of this walk.
The Fundraising Goal
This is a two-part fundraiser:
- Making the Walk Happen: The first goal is to fund the essentials—hiking gear, navigation tools, proper footwear, camping supplies, food for the trip and potentially a camera to document the journey. These are the basics I need to take the first step.
I estimate this will cost £1,500.
- To Aid The Canmore Trust: Any funds raised beyond what’s needed for the walk will go directly to The Canmore Trust, helping them continue their life-saving work.
How Funds Will Be Used
Here’s where the funds will go (with a commitment to borrowing or buying second-hand wherever possible to reduce that £1,500 figure):
- Hiking and Camping Gear: Essentials like a tent, sleeping bag, backpack, and other equipment to make the journey safe and manageable.
- Footwear: Proper hiking boots/shoes to handle the physical demands of the trek.
- Navigation Tools: GPS devices, map apps, and resources to keep me on track.
- Camera Equipment: Tools to document the walk, highlight the journey, and showcase how this mission is only possible with your support.
- Logistical Support: Planning and preparation for the walk, including any additional resources needed to make it successful.
- Surplus Donations: Any funds not used for the essentials will go directly to The Canmore Trust to support their life-saving work.
Why This Matters
This challenge brings together everything I stand for: connection, resilience, curiosity and hope. It’s about starting conversations we don’t have enough and shining a light on a cause that saves lives.
By supporting this walk, you’re not just helping me take on a personal challenge - you’re helping to create awareness, hope, and change.
How You Can Help
I can’t do this alone. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Contribute to this fundraiser to help me gear up and get ready.
- Share this page with your network to spread the word.
- Cheer me on as I train, prepare, and take this one step at a time.
This walk is about more than miles. It’s about creating hope, raising awareness, and ensuring that no one feels like they’re walking alone.
Thank you for your support and for believing in this mission.
Together, we can make a real difference.
Organizer
Matthew Cameron
Organizer
Scotland