Professionals from across the mortgage and property finance industry will come together in September to support mental health awareness as part of the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter’s latest initiative – a Thames-side walking challenge designed to promote connection and wellbeing.
Scheduled for Saturday 13 September, the Thames Bridges Trek will see participants walking either 25km from Putney to Southwark or a shorter 10km route starting at The Kia Oval, all in support of the Niall Stringer Foundation.
The event is being organised by Ultra Challenge, one of the UK’s leading providers of mass participation treks and endurance walks.
The challenge follows the Charter’s successful Walk & Talk event held in May, and continues its mission to create spaces for open discussion about mental health while fostering stronger peer support within the industry.
Those taking part will form part of Team MIMHC, walking together through some of the capital’s most scenic and historic riverside locations.
“I took part in an Ultra Challenge back in 2022 and knew this format would be perfect for MIMHC,” said William Lloyd-Hayward, chief operating officer at Brightstar and co-founder of the Charter.
“It’s inclusive, enjoyable, and powerful in its simplicity – bringing people together to walk, talk and support each other.”
The initiative has already drawn a strong response from within the sector, with teams from Brightstar, MT Finance, Mortgage Soup, Movin Legal, MFS, Positive Lending and Sirius Finance all signed up. More are expected to join as the date approaches.
Gareth Lewis, deputy chief executive at MT Finance, who has also committed to the trek, described the event as “another fantastic MIMHC initiative and a great chance to come together as an industry, support mental health, and raise vital funds – all against the backdrop of London’s stunning riverside.”
Since its launch, the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter has played an increasingly visible role in encouraging open conversations around wellbeing across what has historically been a high-pressure sector.
With mental health remaining high on the agenda, organisers hope the walk will continue to build momentum for change while supporting a cause with personal resonance for many in the industry.
