A Salford barman embarking on a near 200-mile coast-to-coast walk in support of a mental health charity hopes to be a “waypoint” for people to open up through after sharing he previously had suicidal thoughts.
Jordon Parry will take time away from pouring pints to thirsty customers at The Royal Oak pub in Boothstown to complete the national trail, raising money for Mind in Manchester.
The 190-mile route starts at St Bees in Cumbria and takes in three national parks, ending at Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire.
“When people look at me, they just see me as just another lad working behind a bar, having a laugh,” he said. “They don’t necessarily see what’s inside and I’m hoping to get that message out there and encourage people to start talking to each other before it’s too late.”
Jordon is looking forward to seeing the scenic terrain after months of mapping out his journey online.
“I’ve researched it on Google Maps, looked at videos and posts on Facebook, so I am looking forward to experiencing every step with my own eyes and having that excitement.”
Today (4 May), Jordon begins the gruelling challenge in Cumbria, aiming to finish in Yorkshire on 16 May and, fittingly, he already has his sights set on a well-earned pint at the finish line.
“The part I’m looking forward to most is probably the end when I can finally have a pint,” he said, laughing. “As soon as I get to Robin Hood’s Bay, I’m going into the first pub that comes into my eyesight, I’m not being picky.”
Jordon has raised nearly £2,000 for Mind in Manchester, a charity aiming to create a space where mental health comes first. He said: “I’ve taken on this challenge for Manchester Mind because when the cause matters, the obstacles don’t. Every step raises vital funds for local mental health.”
His words reflect his experience with suicidal thoughts and he said that having the “right people” around him saved his life.
Landlady Karen Bird praised Jordon’s fundraising efforts, saying he has helped challenge mental health stigma both in the pub and the wider local community.
“It’s not just a pub, it’s a community,” she highlighted. “I’ve had some of the lads who regularly drink here come to me and literally praise him and say: ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe what he’s been through.'”
Karen added: “The joker in the pub, the one that winds everyone up, came to me and said how proud he was of Jordan when he first read Jordan’s story. We are so proud of him for bringing this issue to light and he’s certainly opened a lot of blokes’ eyes in here.
“Jordan will complete the walk. He has a brilliant mindset, is determined and we are behind him every step of the way.”
More information about Jordon’s fundraiser is available on his JustGiving page.
