We are a couple of ultrarunners from Jersey with a shared love for the mountains and absurdly difficult challenges, who are running/trekking across Nepal along the Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) to help raise awareness of, and hopefully some money for, mental health issues in both Jersey and Nepal. 

We will be self-navigating the 1,700km+ by foot, climbing up to 150,000m (the equivalent of 17 Everests) whilst carrying all of our belongings, including 4 season camping gear, cooking equipment, clothing and all of our food/water, in 40 litre running packs. 

Where possible, we will rely on the hospitality of the local Nepalese people for food and board, as well the opportunity to take a break from talking to one another and in the more remote sections, we will wild camp and source our own food and water (think “Into the Wild” but *spoiler alert* without the tragic ending). We will travel from West to East on the high route of the GHT and, to give you an idea of the scale of this challenge, it is estimated that less than 500 people have completed the GHT since its establishment in 2009; in comparison 600 people climbed Mount Everest in 2024 alone. 

We can’t wait to embark on this epic challenge at the beginning of October in support of World Mental Health Day and hope, with your help, that we can have a small, but important impact, in mobilising efforts in support of mental health. 

You can follow our progress on Strava (Olivia Shanks and Rikki De Louche), Instagram (@oshanks and @rocknroadruncoaching) and Facebook (rocknroadruncoaching). 

Some facts about mental health… 

We believe that talking openly about mental health can reduce the misconceptions and stigma associated with it, improve access to treatments and can encourage those who are suffering to seek help and find a support network. 
● The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that globally 1 out of every 4 people will be impacted by mental illness at some point in their lives.
● 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression. 
● According to WHO, each year an estimated 700,000 people take their own lives – compared to 619,000 people killed by malaria. 
● Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds. Percentages are especially high among girls and young women. 
● Almost 9 out of 10 people with a mental condition experience stigma and discrimination, which negatively affects their lives. 
● In high-income countries, 5 out of 10 people who require psychological care cannot access the treatment they need. In low- and middle-income countries, this number rises to 9 out of 10 people. 

About the GHT… 

The GHT Nepal is one of the longest and highest trekking trails in the world (reaching a maximum altitude of 6,200m), which aims to spread tourism throughout the entire Himalaya belt of Nepal, generating vital jobs and income for local communities and contributing to the conservation of the country’s natural and cultural heritage.

The Charities… 

Jaya Mental Health 
We will be supporting Jaya Mental Health with their project to bring mental health care to the community of Mustang. The community of Mustang, high in the Himalayas is completely devoid of mental health support. People experiencing mental health issues have no one to turn to for support. Your donations will help them develop and deliver vital support to people affected by mental illness in Mustang as follows: 
● £250 will cover the costs of a Community Health Worker in Mustang visiting 125 different people in their homes to support them through their mental health problem.
● £500 will offer 400 people an appointment to speak with a doctor, or trained nurse about their mental health issue and access support. 
● £4,342 will cover the costs of one medical team’s round trip by road from Kathmandu to the Himalayas to provide training to local health workers, free walk-in mental health clinics in all five regions of Mustang and awareness raising campaigns with the local community. 

Mind Jersey 
We will be supporting Mind Jersey with the following ongoing projects/services: 
● Camelot Residential Care Home, which provides 24 hour support to adults with severe and enduring mental illness in a warm, domestic setting. 
● ‘Friends of Mine’ drop in centre, situated in Seale Street behind the town hall, which offers easy access to someone to talk to in a safe confidential space, with no referral or registration requirements. 
● Support Groups, such as Support after Suicide, Music and Open Mic Groups and Walking Groups.