Record-Breaking Great York Walk Raises Over £25,000 for Mentally Fit York

Posted on Thursday 21 May 2026

Students, staff, alumni, families, friends and supporters from across the wider community took part in the annual fundraising challenge, walking 10km, 20km and 32km routes across York in support of mental health research, prevention and support initiatives.

Now in its sixth year, The Great York Walk has become one of the University’s flagship community fundraising events. Since launching in 2019 - including adapting into a virtual community walk during the COVID-19 pandemic - the event has now raised more than £100,000 cumulatively for the Mentally Fit York fund.

Mentally Fit York supports projects that aim to transform mental health on a local, national and international scale through pioneering research, practical support programmes and community partnerships.

Speaking at the start of the event, University representatives highlighted the importance of bringing people together to openly support mental health and reduce stigma through visibility, conversation and shared action.

Walkers were also joined by Professor Scott Cairney, Director of Mental Health Research at the University of York, whose work focuses on understanding why mental health problems emerge, identifying those most at risk, and developing earlier prevention strategies. His research explores areas including sleep, wellbeing and young people’s mental health, while championing collaboration and lived experience in improving mental health outcomes.

Funds raised through events such as The Great York Walk help support innovative projects that may otherwise struggle to secure funding, enabling researchers and practitioners to explore new ideas and improve future care, prevention and policy.

Gemma Young, Philanthropy Manager at the University of York and organiser of the event, said:

“Seeing so many people gathered together honestly felt incredible. Whether people were walking for personal reasons, for loved ones, or simply because they believe mental health matters, every single person contributed to something incredibly powerful.

“What makes this event so special is that it combines two things that are hugely important for our mental wellbeing - movement and connection. Walking together, talking openly and supporting one another throughout the day sends such a positive message.

“Every mile walked and every pound raised today is helping support projects and research that have the power to genuinely change lives.”

Projects supported through Mentally Fit York include Mental Health Nursing Scholarships for students facing financial hardship, outreach initiatives tackling social isolation, and trauma-informed training programmes for staff and communities.

The fund also supports research including work by Dr Bob Hope on the emotional wellbeing of parents of children living with cancer, and Dr Laura Fox’s research into the mental health experiences of parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Organisers are encouraging participants to continue fundraising in the days following the event, with around a quarter of donations typically arriving after the walk itself.

Donations to support Mentally Fit York can still be made online via the Mentally Fit York fundraising page.