Scout for Shout: Leo's 486 mile cycle for mental health
Meet Leo, the 14-year-old Scout who previously slept outside in a hammock for a year after he saw friends struggling with poor mental health.
Alongside his mum and nan, he’s now taken on a second challenge: to cycle from his home in Kent to Edinburgh to raise vital funds and awareness of the life-saving mental health support we provide.
Follow them on their journey below.
Testimonials
People my age find texting much easier when they need help. It means anyone can reach out silently for support, no matter what they’re going through.
Leo StreetDay 1: Leo left Swanley in Kent at 7am for the first leg.
After a long, cold day and a cycle through London, the group arrived in Saffron Waldon tired, but on schedule and in good spirits!
Day 2: good cycling conditions for the first 15 miles of the day - frosty with blue skies.
As they pushed on through Cambridge and onto Peterborough, a few aches started to appear - but nothing that would will stop our intrepid Scout for Shout.
Day 3: navigating A roads, bridle ways, muddy puddles and potholes meant the team reached the halfway point much later in the day than planned.
Luckily, the afternoon's weather was much kinder and the three made it safely to their stop for the night.
Day 4: after setting off early and making good time, at 7 miles in, Leo's chain snapped and he fell off. Uninjured, mum towed to a spot where they were able to replace the chain and get back on track.
Day 5: rain slowed progress but didn't stop the trio who arrived at their halfway point in York to meet local Scout leader Sarah and to speak to the York Mix.
They finished the day in Darlington having cycled a whopping 71 miles.
Testimonials
During lockdown I changed from year 6 to year 7 and I was really worried. I had my family to support me, but I know that some people don't. So Shout is perfect.
Day 6: today was the hardest day so far for Leo, who battled strong winds, muddy hills and a puncture on the way to Newcastle upon Tyne.
Despite this, they made it - and day 6 was complete.
Day 7: was off to a great start until more mud, hills and another puncture challenged the team. They cycled on, making it to their rest stop with a total of 407 miles under their belts.
Day 8: Leo and team made it to Scotland! The last full day of their challenge was eventful with the off-road route taking them through fields and to more than 2,600 ft above sea level, where there were some spectacular views.
Day 9: with the finish line in sight, Leo took on the final miles, fighting strong winds on the way to Edinburgh. Just after 1pm, he cycled into view, heading down the straight towards the finish line where a group of supporters was waiting to wave him, mum and nan in.
With almost 500 miles cycled and almost the length of the UK covered, Scout for Shout Leo had completed his second incredible fundraising challenge for our service.
Testimonials
Thank you to everyone for sharing, donating and encouraging me. Thank you all so far for helping us get to our last day
There's still time to support Leo. To make a donation and leave him a message, please visit Leo's JustGiving page.
