Get Involved
Walk 90km For Mental Health Research
Complete a 90km virtual walk over the month of October, at your own pace and in your own way, while raising funds for MQ Mental Health Research. Together, we can help drive the research needed to improve mental health outcomes and create lasting change. Every step taken helps fund groundbreaking research into mental health conditions, bringing us closer to better understanding, prevention, and treatment for those affected.
The Challenge
Help MQ Change the Future of Mental Health
We champion and fund world-class research to transform the lives of everyone affected by a mental health condition. Mental illness affects up to one in four of us, yet funding for this health crisis has stagnated, however MQ wants to change this. The money raised for MQ, will be funneled to mental health research programmes at the world’s top universities, where mental illness is studied to gain a better understanding of it. This is our best chance for more effective treatments, faster diagnoses and better care for your loved ones.
How Walking Helps Your Mental Health
It's known that being active can help with your mental health, but that doesn't always mean having to go to the gym or picking up a sport. Any form of physical exercise, including walking, can help release endophorins. Though it shouldn't be treated a sole solution for mental illness, it has been seen to help ease symptoms of conditions such as depression. Another study showed that a 90-minute walk in a natural environment can help reduce repetitive and negative thoughts about about yourself (Bratman et al. 2015, PNAS).
FAQs
Is There a Registration Fee to Join the Walk 90k?
Nope, this event is free for anyone to take part! However, all the money you raise goes into funding mental health research which explores the detection, treatment, and prevention of mental illness. You will play a part in be helping find the next vital breakthrough in mental health research.
When is the Registration Deadline?
There's no registration deadline, but the t-shirt offer is available while stocks last, so we recommend signing up to join the challenge as early as possible to avoid any disappointment!Â
What is the Fundraising Target?
The fundraising target will be set to £100 on your JustGiving page and this is what we ask everyone to aim to raise! You can adjust your target according to the challenge you'd like to set yourself too.Â
Can I Make a Donation Instead of Fundraise?
Yes, absolutely. Thank you for wanting to make a difference! You're welcome to make a donation directly to the MQ website. Please include ‘90k in October' in the message box, so we can add it towards our overall total raised! Thank you so much for your support.
What to Do If I Have Any Further Questions?
If you are unsure of anything or need help, please contact the team on [email protected] and we will respond as quickly as we can.
Walking and Fundraising Stories
Charlie's Swiss Alps Trek For MQ
Read Charlie's story about his trek for MQ through the Swiss Alps. At just 16, he hiked 150km, climbing more than 9,000m in elevation, battling blisters, and pushing through a knee injury, all to raise money for mental health research.
How To Travel, Get Fit and Raise Money For Charity? Go On A Trek
In November 2023, a group of fundraisers travelled to Costa Rica to take part in a trek to raise money for MQ Mental Health Research. The trek raised a total of £42,104.39, this is their story.
Other Ways to Support Mental Health Research
You can raise money by running for MQ. Whether it is a 10K, half or a whole marathon, we will be supporting and championing you the whole way through. Take a look at the many locations you can choose from.
You can simply donate to MQ and help support the future of mental health research. Supporting ground breaking research to help us better understand, effectively treat and ultimately one day even prevent serious mental illness.
Take a look at our latest insights. Explore new research and news from MQ, read personal stories, or watch and listen to our Open Mind podcast.