Cowie handyman takes on gruelling cross-country trails trek for kids charity
Darren McKenna-Cullen is walking the traditional John o'Groats to Land's End route with the added challenge of navigating trail routes all the way down, sharing the importance of the outdoors on mental health.
A Cowie handyman is using a gruelling cross-country fundraiser to help fight back from the most tragic of family heartbreak.
Darren McKenna-Cullen is taking on the challenge of walking from John o'Groats to Land's End - but in an added twist, he is only making use of multiple long-distance trails across the length and breadth of the UK.
The trek - which will see Darren take on more than 2000 miles of various terrain - is being completed for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, a charity which grants life-changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses.
But fuelling him as much as the desire to help those less fortunate is battling his internal demons following the deaths of his father and sister within a year of each other in 2020 and 2021.
Darren, 40, spoke to the Observer on day 59 of his epic trek at a spot near Welshpool.
He said: 'I struggle with anxiety and depression atfer what happened and I work with a therapist who reminded him to find themselves that help ground me and that's where I realised it comes naturally for me to be outdoors.
'I did my first walk about three years ago for the mental health charity Mind and it was taking on the West Highland Way, Cape Wrath Trail and the Rob Roy Walk.
'I always had it in my head to do this walk across the country but I couldn't really fund it.
'When I decided to do, I wanted it to be a bit more unique and not the same way as everyone else so I'm going to be doing 12 complete trails along the way, as well as bits of some others.
'Even when I get to Land's End, that isn't really the end because I'll still have the South Coast Trail to finish!'
After struggling with the impact of that twin tragedy, Darren discovered the restorative power of the outdoors - and has also hailed the support he has received from documenting his journey on his social media channels.
Darren continued: 'In the run up to this one, I wasn't really sleeping or eating much, but when I got up there a day early, I managed to see the Northern Lights, said farewell the next day and I've slept and ate better than I ever have.
'That's a message I'd love to get out there from doing this - to convince people to get out at least a day a week and experience the outdoors because it can be such a good healer.
'A lot of people have been sending me lovely messages of support and we're just trying to reach more people with the fundraising in order to get to our target of £3,000 for the charity which would be amazing.'
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Whispers of giants, fairies, and ancient clans ride on the wind across the Isle of Skye. A land where granite mountains tear at the sky, mist clings to emerald glens, and sea cliff is a dramatic clash between black rock and blue-green sea. Skye, the biggest island in the Inner Hebrides, is not merely a location, but an epic Scottish legend brought to life. Check out our isle of Skye tours and pick the one suitable for you. Whether you are an adventurous hiker, a keen photographer, a history buff, or simply a person in search of landscapes that speak to the heart, this guide is your ticket to the magic of the Isle of Skye. We'll lead you through it all from top attractions and practical itineraries to insider secrets for creating your own unforgettable trip. Why Visit the Isle of Skye? Skye's beauty is the stuff of legend, and it is no wonder. 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Pack out all your rubbish, follow the paths, and do not litter. Embrace No Signal: Mobile phone signal and Wi-Fi can be unreliable or nonexistent on much of the island. Download maps offline and view it as a chance to switch off and appreciate the views. The Isle of Skye was not a thing to see, but a thing to feel. It's the wind in your face at Neist Point, the awe you feel at the base of the Old Man of Storr, and the warm light of a well-worn whisky by the fire. It's an isle that will awaken your imagination and leave its mark on your soul. Your adventure awaits. Like this: Like Related
