Navjit Singh Degun, a property partner at Leeds-based law firm Levi Solicitors, has completed a five-day, 121-mile charity walk from Newcastle to Leeds to raise awareness and funds for a mental health charity aimed at preventing male suicide.
Navjit was one of 75 walkers who took part in the gruelling five-day trek for ANDYSMANCLUB, which has raised £60,000 in total, with Navjit’s colleagues, friends and family raising over £3,000.
The walk, which ended at the Leeds Football Club ground Elland Road, was held in memory of the former footballer Gary Speed, who took his own life in 2011. Navjit had his own deeply personal reasons for taking part in the walk, having lost his younger brother to suicide in 2021.
‘It was one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, both physically and mentally’, said Navjit.
“Walking 121 miles over five days took everything out of us, but the camaraderie and the cause kept us going. Crossing the finish line and seeing my family really brought home why we were doing this.”
Despite painful blisters and tough terrain, Navjit said the strong support network among the walkers – and some good trainers and socks – helped him power through.
“The support staff and fellow walkers were incredible. It felt like one big family. Everyone was willing each other on, and those evening gatherings gave us all a chance to decompress and connect.”
The walk ended at Elland Road, where the football club provided refreshments and participants were met by friends and family.
For Navjit, reuniting with his wife and daughter at the finish line was a deeply moving moment:
“I missed them so much, and seeing them again reminded me exactly why this matters.”
Navjit’s fundraising page remains open for donations at
https://www.gofundme.com/f/120-mile-gary-speed-charity-walk-from-newcastle-to-leeds
