The Proclaimers back 500-mile walk by Wetherby woman for mental health charity

The new I Choose Life (ICL) Foundation, which has been launched by a Wetherby woman, is organising a 500-mile walk around the county as part of its inaugural fundraiser.

And the team has been backed by The Proclaimers - the Scottish brothers Craig and Charlie Reid who achieved worldwide fame with their number one hit “I’ Gonna Be (500 Miles)”.

ICL founder Sarah Shearman, from Sicklinghall, was invited to meet the double-act as they stopped off in North Yorkshire as part of a year-long world tour so they could hear more about the challenge.

She said: “We set up ICL to support anyone who feels the persistent strains of their life are taking them down.

“Craig and Charlie have a keen interest in mental health and it was great to give them a first-hand insight into our work, and our aims for making a difference to people’s lives.

“They have also thrown their weight behind our walk by enabling us to use their famous ‘500 mile’ song to promote it, for which we are truly grateful.”

The walk will see 46-year-old Sarah and her dog Yume leave Harrogate on Boxing Day to set off on a month-long, 500-mile walk around Yorkshire, finishing in the town on January 26.

Peoples with an interest in promoting good mental health are encouraged to join her parts of the walk, which has a £10,000 fundraising target.

ICL was launched to provide support for anyone who is struggling with the constant challenges life can bring.

Visit www.ichooselifefoundation.com for more details.