Former Coronation Street stars Ryan Thomas and Chris Fountain walk 260 miles for mental health charity

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Chris Foutain was sacked from Corrie for a rap song with lyrics about rape and violence against women

Ryan Thomas has completed 10 marathons in 10 days, with the help of controversial rapper Chris Fountain.

The former Coronation Street actor, 38, walked from London to his hometown of Manchester to raise money for Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The father-of-two has now released a YouTube documentary, which follows he and Chris, 35, on their 260-mile journey.

Ryan admitted: “Nothing can prepare you for 10 marathons in 10 days. You can do as much walking as you want. I did 26 miles maybe six or seven times, but never back to back. I had every reason to be worried because I hit that barrier early on.”

He also explained how the idea came about, telling viewers: “I just wanted to go for a walk. I was going to get hotels at first and just make it up as I go along.

“Then a friend of mine was building a removal van for a guy who’s really been struggling with his mental health, and he wanted to get him off the street, he was homeless. So before giving him this removal van/living accommodation, he said I could take it.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

That’s when Ryan asked fellow soap actor Chris to drive the borrowed van, so that they could have a portable place to stay after each day of walking.

Ryan and Chris thought the charity fundraiser would be like a holiday, and they planned to have BBQs in the evenings - however, the men soon realised it was not a holiday.

In the documentary, which has almost 6,000 views, Ryan also spoke about the controversial incident where Chris recorded a rap song with lyrics about rape and violence against women.

Chris explained that the words just rhymed and nothing was “premeditated”. He also described that part of his life, where he performed under the stage name The Phantom, was a “disaster” and a “wreck”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Bradford-born actor was sacked by Coronation Street bosses in 2013, after the video - which was recorded years earlier emerged.

This was when his mental health began to deteriorate, as it was the first time since high school that he had been out of an acting role.

However, he said being involved with Ryan’s 260-mile journey “gave him a purpose” and kept him busier than he ever was as a soap actor.

Ryan backed his friend on Instagram, whilst posting a clip from the documentary. He wrote: “I will continue to champion this man. We all make mistakes. Never be quick to judge as you never know what another person is going through. Be kind, be thoughtful, be supportive as this man is all that and more for me.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“If you are going through a tough time give yourself a purpose, have a healthy routine or talk to someone. It can make a massive difference .🙏🏼❤️”

Hits Radio host Gemma Atkinson, who starred alongside Chris in Hollyoaks, wrote: “Was always a pleasure being in your company Chris. Sending love ❤️”

Another Hollyoaks co-star, Jessica Fox, said: “Forever one of the nicest, kindest, hard working, talented and genuine men I have had the privilege to work with. EVERYONE makes mistakes, EVERYONE deserves a second chance. You are so overdue my friend x”

Model Matt Peacock also added his support: “Not a bad bone in his body. ❤️ a gentleman x”

Whilst Love Island star Olivia Attwood, American singer Kimberly Wyatt and many fans also agreed with Ryan’s words about Chris.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

Leeds news you can trust since 1890
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice