University of Bolton Psychology Professor to Walk 185 Miles in Support of Children’s Mental Health
On Saturday July 20, at 10am, University of Bolton psychology professor Jerome Carson will embark on a monumental journey to raise funds for children’s mental health. At the age of 67, Professor Carson will walk 185 miles in just seven days, with the goal of raising money for children’s charity MedEquip4Kids.
The walk will begin at the MedEquip4Kids office in Manchester and will conclude at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk on Saturday July 27. The funds raised from this sponsored walk will go towards supporting the Hummingbird Project, a six-week course based on positive psychology that aims to improve the mental wellbeing of children in primary and secondary schools.
In addition to raising money for a worthy cause, this journey will also hold a personal significance for Professor Carson. As a devout Catholic, he will be embarking on a spiritual pilgrimage to the Slipper Chapel at Walsingham, a site that holds great importance for both Anglicans and Catholics. Jerome will be walking the last mile of the pilgrimage barefoot, in honor of tradition.
The Hummingbird Project is a collaborative effort between MedEquip4Kids, the University of Bolton, the University of Chester, and the Open University. Through this project, nearly 6,500 school pupils in Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Merseyside have already benefited from the positive impact of the course. The project is also being considered for national and international expansion.
Speaking about his motivation for this journey, Professor Carson said, “Rising problems in children’s mental health have been an increasing concern over the last decade and especially since the pandemic. The Hummingbird Project incorporates the latest research from positive psychology to improve young people’s wellbeing, help them thrive, and get the most out of life. We want to roll out the benefits to thousands more.”
He added, “As I am now 67, I wanted to give something back. We owe it to our children to give them the best possible start in life. I hope to raise thousands of pounds to help improve young people’s mental health.”
To support Professor Carson’s efforts, please visit his Just Giving page at Jerome Carson is fundraising for MedEquip4Kids (justgiving.com). A donation of £50 can cover the cost of one young person’s participation in the Hummingbird Project. Let us come together to support this noble cause and help improve the mental health of our children.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.