On 27th July 2026, I will embark on a 375 mile walk across England and Wales, starting at Chalkwell Beach, Southend-on-Sea, and finishing in Scalds Rock, Pembrokeshire. I've always wanted to push myself beyond my comfort zone and see what I'm truly capable of. Throughout my life I've taken on challenges whenever I could, but I've never had the opportunity to commit to something as ambitious as this challenge.
July 2026 |
Toby is taking on an incredible 375 mile walk across England and Wales in memory of his mum and other family members lost to raise awareness of alcohol harm and men's mental health, and inspire change.
Throughout my life I've taken on challenges whenever I could, but I've never had the opportunity to commit to something as ambitious as this challenge.
Having recently graduated from East 15 Acting School with a degree in Creative Producing, I've found myself at a unique point in life. For the first time, I have both the freedom and the opportunity to take on a challenge that I've dreamed about for years. Rather than letting that opportunity pass me by, I decided to use it to do something meaningful.
This journey is about much more than walking from one coast to another.
On 16th February 2024, my mum, Angie O'Brien, passed away due to liver failure caused by alcohol. During that same year, I also lost two other family members to alcohol-related illnesses. These losses happened during my first year of university and changed my life forever.
After losing my mum and other family members, I became far more aware of the impact alcohol can have on individuals, families, and communities.
I don't believe the answer is simply telling people not to drink. Instead, I believe we need better education, better support, and a greater understanding of the risks that alcohol can present when it becomes a dependency.
My mum was one of the most important people in my life. She supported me, believed in me, and encouraged me to pursue the things I was passionate about. Although she won't be physically with me on this journey, I feel that every mile I walk will be a way of carrying her memory forward. In many ways, this walk is for her. It's a way of honouring her life and ensuring that her name continues to be remembered through something positive.
This challenge is about testing my limits, honouring my mum's memory, supporting causes that matter deeply to me, and hopefully inspiring others along the way.
That’s why I’ve chosen to support Alcohol Change UK to help make sure information and support is there when people need it most. I’ll also be raising awareness and funds for men’s mental health and education, two causes I have a personal connection with.
This challenge is about testing my limits, honouring my mum's memory, supporting causes that matter deeply to me, and hopefully inspiring others along the way.
It’s about more than reaching the finish line. It's about proving what's possible when purpose meets determination, sharing stories that matter, and hopefully inspiring others to support causes that can genuinely change lives.
If this challenge can encourage even a few people to think differently about alcohol, seek support, or start a conversation, then every mile will have been worth it.
Every mile has a story. This is mine.
Follow Toby along his incredible journey and support his challenge by donating today.
If you are interested in taking on a challenge like Toby, please contact our friendly fundraising team to discuss how we can support you.
