Two men from Harrogate are taking on a 60km walking challenge throughout November to raise awareness of men's mental health and support a suicide prevention charity.
George Carroll, Head PGA Professional at Harrogate Golf Club, and Andy Wilson are the founders of Chip 'n' Chat, a local initiative that brings men together through golf and social activities.
The pair are each walking 60km during November to raise money for Andy's Man Club, a charity providing free mental health support groups for men across the UK.
The distance has been chosen to represent the estimated 60 men who die by suicide globally every hour.
As part of the challenge, George and Andy are organising a group walk around Harrogate on Friday 13th November, inviting members of the community to join them for a walk and a chat.
Both men will carry their golf bags throughout the walk to symbolise the invisible weight that people can carry when struggling with their mental health.
The challenge will also include an 18-hole round of golf at Harrogate Golf Club on 23rd November, with the remaining kilometres completed individually throughout the month,
George said:
“As Head Pro here in Harrogate, I see how easily men can bottle things up.
“I’m taking on this challenge to show guys that it’s okay not to be okay, that it’s okay to talk, and that people like us are here and ready to listen.
“Everyone’s situation is different, but opening up has made a huge difference in my own life, and that’s why getting behind this cause means so much to me."
Chip 'n' Chat was established to encourage men to speak openly about their mental health in a relaxed and supportive environment.
The initiative combines golf with informal social meetups, helping to break down barriers and encourage conversations.
Andy said:
“Andy’s Man Club was key in my recovery from a breakdown in my mental health nearly 10 years ago, and it's a group I still attend and facilitate at today.
“We're taking on this 60km challenge to show everyone that whatever you're going through, you don't have to carry it alone.
“There are groups out there that can help, and we want to get men talking and point them toward life-changing support."
The pair hope to raise at least £500 for Andy's Man Club, which runs free weekly peer-to-peer support groups every Monday evening.
The challenge will conclude with the next Chip 'n' Chat meetup at Harrogate Golf Club on 29th November.
The event is open to local men of all golfing abilities, including complete beginners, with coaching provided.
Anyone wishing to join the group walk on 13th November can contact Chip 'n' Chat through Instagram @chipnchatmensclub.
Donations can also be made through the group's JustGiving fundraising page.
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