The Highland Ride

The Highland ride in May will be focussed on two suicide prevention charities. Participants are encouraged to walk and ride with The Big Hoof horses, Sasha and Istia, as we celebrate the magical landscape of the West Highlands. Our aim is to raise £3,000 and help these two charities with the incredible work that they do in the Highland area. Get ready for a gentle adventure of meaning and magic.

THE FACTS

WHEN?

19th - 24th May 2024

WHERE?

Corrour Station house -> Strontian
West Highlands, Scotland

WHAT?

  • 70 miles in 6 days.

  • Walk, run or ride with us.

  • Come for a morning/afternoon, overnight camp or the entire journey.

  • Help raising funds for two local suicide prevention charities: Ewen’s Room and James Support Group.

  • Open to all! All we ask is for everyone to raise as much money as you can for the cause through the fundraising page, and to make sure you are physically responsible for yourself and your kit.

  • Be sure to sign up below!

All The Big Hoof journeys are made on a voluntary basis by those wishing to follow our routes. The Big Hoof is a charity that operates solely as a core team of three individuals. Those who follow our routes do so at their own risk and are required to make appropriate arrangements for themselves.

THE CAUSE

Declining mental health has been a widespread issue for some time now. It is shown in many recent studies to have been exacerbated by the recent Covid-19 pandemic, with feelings of loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and depression on the rise across communities in Scotland. In the Scottish Highlands, the suicide rates are alarmingly high, especially amongst young adults. The Big Hoof Highland Ride will be dedicated to two local suicide prevention charities: Ewen’s Room and James Support Group.

James Support Group is a suicide prevention charity, formed by Patrick and Wendy Mullery in response to the lack of support for families bereaved by suicide in the Highlands. This group was formed because the family and friends of James have struggled to find any meaningful help here in the Highlands, even though the Highlands has the highest suicide rate in the UK. The charity holds monthly meetings across the Highlands, creating a safe space for everyone affected by suicide or suffering suicidal thoughts.

https://jamessupportgroup.com/

Ewen’s Room is a grassroots mental health and wellbeing charity based in Lochaber in the North West Highlands. It was started by Ewen’s parents after he tragically succumbed to schizophrenia and died by suicide in January 2008, aged just 29. They set out with the aims of providing emotional support and services, and tackling stigma to improve the lives of others in their local communities suffering from issues with their mental health.

https://www.ewensroom.co.uk/

Are you struggling with suicidal thoughts? Help and support is available right now if you need it. Call anytime for free.
UK: 166 123
NL: 113
US: 988

READY TO COME ALONG?

Ready to be exposed to the elements whilst raising awareness and funds for an urgent cause? Sign up here to join our magical Highland May Ride.