NANTWICH BUILDER PUSHES A WHEELBARROW FROM JOHN O’ GROATS TO LAND’S END

A builder from Nantwich – who was on the brink of suicide in the run-up to Christmas last year – pushed a wheelbarrow completely unaided from John o’ Groats to Land’s End to raise over £4,500 for BoB, as well as awareness of the mental health struggles facing UK tradespeople.

Two UK construction workers take their lives every day, and Liam Challenor planned the challenge as a very visible way to draw attention to the issue – and also to raise money for our charity.

Liam’s wheelbarrow was loaded down to the equivalent weight of his two children, and he walked the route solo in hi-vis clothing without the safety net of a support crew. During the eight-week challenge, he covered nearly 1,200 miles following the End-to-End trail to avoid walking on busy roads with his wheelbarrow.

The 34-year-old said he did it as a positive response after facing some personal challenges, including financial woes, work stress and a relationship breakdown.

As well as working on the tools, Liam is also the founder of TradieApp – a platform (sponsored by SIG Roofing and City Plumbing) designed for tradespeople to manage their work, connect with clients and streamline their business operations. He said that juggling family, work and getting the app off the ground all took their toll, and he was admitted to hospital after not eating or drinking for three days.

“At a very low point, I sat one night with a bottle of alcohol and some tablets crying my eyes out – and it was only because I was looking at pictures of my children that I didn’t open the bottle or take the tablets,” said Liam. “I then went for a long walk at 2am to try to clear my head.”

“It was actually a customer of mine – who cares for a family member with mental health struggles – who could see that I was really low and helped me to start turning a corner after we came up with the idea of focusing on a positive.”

Liam faced a number of setbacks during the challenge, such as damage to his feet and being targeted by thieves in Glasgow, who stole his radio and selfie stick. He has also had some personal difficulties since coming home.

Despite this, he says his mental health is “the best it’s ever been”. He thanked all his supporters for their kind words, messages and donations – and hinted at secret plans for future challenges.

In choosing us, Liam said: “I raised money for BoB because they mean something personal to me. I love what they stand for and how many families they have helped.”

Our CEO, Gavin Crane, applauded Liam for undertaking such a symbolic challenge that the UK construction industry could identify with.

“Firstly, we are so grateful that Liam didn’t become yet another tragic statistic, which is such a sad reflection of the current state of the UK construction industry,” said Gavin. “We hear stories on a daily basis about the struggles tradies have with their mental health, and it’s a delight that Liam used his experience as a force for good.

“Over the eight weeks he walked between Land’s End and John o’ Groats in his hi-vis clothing and pushing his wheelbarrow, it drew lots of attention to the issue. And, of course, he raised much-needed funds for our charity.”