Ross Kirtland’s Big Walk & Talk to raise money for Head for Change, Tackle Suicide & Inn Churches

The Big Walk & Talk

This August, Ross Kirtland will take on the challenge of a lifetime, walking the length of Great Britain while raising funds and awareness for three causes close to his heart.

Ross begins his journey with one mission in mind: heal the world by starting a conversation that too often remains hidden.

Along the route, Ross will invite people to walk with him, share their stories and talk openly about their struggles. Through honest conversation, connection and community, Ross hopes to challenge the stigma of seeking support and encourage more people to reach out when they need it.

The challenge will raise funds for Head for Change, Tackle Suicide, and Inn Churches. Three charities working to support people affected by brain injury in sport, mental illness, and homelessness.

Why this matters​

Growing up, rugby was everything to Ross. His dedication to the sport gave him purpose, community and opportunity. He earned a bursary to Bradford Grammar School, a scholarship to Newcastle University and opportunities to play across the world.

On the surface, Ross was the golden boy, but underneath the successful facade, he was struggling.

From his early teens, Ross frequently experienced anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts, but he became an expert at hiding his feelings from those around him. After years of trauma, injuries and pressure, his silence eventually led to a severe mental health crisis.

On returning home from Australia in 2022, Ross experienced an extreme decline in his mental health. He lost the ability to eat, communicate or function, leading him to become homeless and later be admitted to a psychiatric hospital.

For three years, Ross lived with suicidal thoughts every day and survived more than 20 suicide attempts.

Ross will start the Big Walk & Talk one year to the day after he was released from hospital, and he wants to use his experience to help others and heal the world.

For three years straight, I didn’t want to be alive anymore. Now I’m walking the length of Great Britain to prove that recovery is possible.

Our mission

Through this challenge, we aim to:

• Raise awareness of  brain injury in sport. mental health and homelessness.
• Challenge stereotypes surrounding homelessness.
• Promote education around brain injury in sport.
• Encourage people to share their struggles and seek support earlier.
• Create opportunities for honest conversations through walking and talking.
• Raise vital funds for Head for Change, Tackle Suicide and Inn Churches.
• Show that recovery is possible, and together, we can heal the world.

How you can get involved

Walk with Ross

Join part of the route and get involved in the conversation.

Donate

Every donation helps support people affected by brain injury, mental illness and homelessness.

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/the-big-walk-and-talk

Share Ross’s story

Help us spread the message that no one should struggle alone.

Follow Ross’s journey

Follow Ross’s progress, route updates, fundraising milestones and stories from the road via:

Instagram @rosskirtland

Instagram @HeadforChange 

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