Union Jack
After walking from Epsom Clocktower to Glasgow earlier this year, dad-of-two Jack Percival, 30, is on a fundraising mission for causes close to home, including the charity he founded, Percy’s Homeless Hub.
£11k raised for walking 450 miles! Congrats Jack!
“Thank you. We really needed a new van for Percy’s Homeless Hub. Every Monday, we drive to Croydon and serve around 100-150 hot meals to anyone who needs it. We’ve done over 10,000 hot meals so far but the van was falling apart. So, I went on a 31 day walk to the Highlands to raise money.”
You’ve run an Ultra Marathon and 24hr treadmill challenge since? Feet OK?
“My toenails did come off! My feet were so blistered even though I had the right boots and kit from Mountain Warehouse. I decided on the Saturday I was going to walk to the Ibrox Stadium (I’m a massive Glasgow Rangers fan) and on the Tuesday I was breaking my boots in, walking around Wetherspoons at my leaving dinner before I set off – using Google maps.”
How tough was it?
“I had a lot of time on my own to reflect. I met people across the country – in good and not so good places. Everyone is struggling in their own way. Even when I was cold, wet, hungry and alone I thought to myself, I’ve had tougher days in my bedroom, with my own mind, battling my thoughts. But it’s life! We’re born to do this, to put one foot in front of the other and push forward.”
You’re such a great advocate for speaking up about mens’ mental health…
“I probably wasn’t the best-behaved child, I ended up in care, ended up homeless, I suffered with addiction and poor mental health. My foster mum took me off the streets and got me a job; when she passed away, I wanted to do something in her memory. She always taught me to give back, to look after and look out for each other, and that’s how the charity started.”
And now you’ve started a Running Club too!
“It started with one person, we now have 5-6 people and we do a little 5k loop. It’s about movement not minutes or miles. I don’t run for fitness but for mental resilience – the toughest part is always getting your trainers on.”
Any plans to do another charity walk?
“Yes! But next time I want to do it wearing a fridge or something equally ridiculous!”
For more details on how to donate or volunteer for Percy’s Homeless Hub @percyshomelesshub
All Welcome Wednesday Run Club meets at 6:30pm Epsom Clocktower
Words by Fatima Truscott
Photography by Jayne Saunderson