Olympic medallist and former world record holder Fatima Whitbread MBE has thrown her support behind this year’s Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC) Walk and Talk event.

The six-day fundraising and awareness trek began yesterday and follows the Grand Union Canal from London to Birmingham, with participants from across the mortgage and banking sectors joining different stages of the route.

The event is led by Jason Berry, group sales director at Crystal Specialist Finance and co-founder of the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter, who will complete the full route alongside Charlie Morley, director of mortgage distribution, operations and servicing at Metro Bank.

WORLD RECORD

Whitbread MBE, who became the first British athlete to set a world record in a throwing event after her 77.44m javelin throw at the 1986 European Championships in Stuttgart, recorded a special message of support for this year’s participants.

She told the leggers in a video message: “Hi, my name’s Fatima Whitbread. I’m a former international athlete and also somebody who was brought up in the care system, so I certainly know what it’s like to have challenges in my life and mental health is one of them.

“I’d like to wish you all every success in the Walk and Talk 2026 which is being put on by mortgage and banking (MIMHC). I think it’s a wonderful opportunity to come together, engage, and support one another.”

CHANCE TO BOND

She added: “Mental health is something that we all suffer from, and in working collectively together, having these opportunities is a chance to bond and share our stories.

“So remember, have a great time at this year’s 2026 Walk and Talk and who knows, one day maybe I’ll come and talk with you. Take care. Bye.”

OPEN CONVERSATIONS

The Walk and Talk initiative has become a growing fixture within the mortgage industry calendar, bringing together brokers, lenders and sector professionals to encourage open conversations around mental health and wellbeing.

The Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter was established to help tackle mental health challenges across the sector and encourage greater collaboration, awareness and support throughout the industry.