Finishing 85kg log carrying challenge across Worcestershire Way was 'emotional', says group
Five men from Worcestershire walked the entire 31-mile route with the log over the Easter bank holiday weekend
Five men who walked the entire Worcestershire Way route with an 85kg log to highlight men's mental health and tackle the stigmas around it have said completing it was a special moment.
Friends Alex Gibbs, Jamie Willis, brothers Jack and Ben Thompson and Jordan Powell, all from Worcestershire, took on the challenge over the Easter bank holiday weekend.
The group, named Carrying the Weight Together, trekked across a total of 31 miles of mixed terrain, with the weight of the wood picked due to it being the same average one of a man.
Alex Gibbs from Pershore who came up with the idea said it had been an "incredible journey" which was far from easy, but it meant a lot to them to be able to do it.
"The ups and downs of the walk were the laughter and pain, we kept each other going in sort of a delirious state of laughter and giggles," he said.
"Crossing the finish line felt amazing, it was very emotional as I'd had a difficult afternoon on the last day with my knee.
"It was amazing though, and the support throughout has been amazing, we can't thank everyone enough for everything."
After setting off in Bewdley on Good Friday, they finished on the Sunday Great Malvern where they were greeted by a crowd on arrival.
One of the members Jack Thompson said he'd also enjoyed being a part of it all and was still recovering from it.
"I'm very sore, my knees are hurting quite a lot, my calves," he said.
"I'm so pleased we got it done, it meant a lot to me to complete the challenge, I was quite emotional across all three days and kind of hid it until we finished and that's when all the emotion came out, it just means a lot because it means so much for so many people.
Over the walk and the training, they've been fundraising for Coventry, Warwickshire & Worcestershire Mind, raising over £5,500.