A brave adventurer from Hampshire has completed an incredible year-long walking trek across Europe to support mental health charities. Kit Birks walked entirely on foot from the northern tip of Norway to a remote Greek island to raise vital awareness for suicide prevention.
The 30-year-old author and activist from Andover spent 11 months testing her personal limits on the unique trek. Named Stride Beyond Silence, her massive journey started on July 7, 2025, and finally came to an end on June 14, after covering nearly 5,000 miles. This monumental trek is the same distance as walking between Land’s End and John o’ Groats eight times over. She carried a heavy 23kg backpack and spent up to 10 days at a time completely isolated within the Arctic Circle.
Personal Struggles and Community Support
As a former nurse, Kit has been very open about her own battles with eating disorders, addiction, and surviving suicide attempts. She celebrated four years of sobriety earlier this month, just days before crossing the finish line. During the trip, she carried a special memorial flag filled with the names of hundreds of people lost to suicide. This moving tribute connected with an online community of more than 200,000 people and even caught the attention of Prince William and Stephen Fry.
Speaking about her challenge, Kit said: “This mission has been one of the toughest and most incredible experiences of my life. A journey of this scale changes you as a person, but the best part has been the community that has come together. The amount of people sharing their grief, their own struggles and their hope. To see comments and messages from strangers telling me they’ve survived another day because of this or expressing their gratitude for carrying their loved one on my flag is a feeling that I will never find the words to describe. It’s proof that vulnerability is strength because it helps others feel less alone. This may have been a solo journey, but together we made noise for suicide prevention, together we kept striding beyond silence.”
Fundraising and Charity Impact
All the money raised from the expedition is being split between two mental health charities: the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) and James’ Place, which gives life-saving support to men in suicidal crises. Donations have topped more than £100,000. Simon Gunning, CEO of CALM, said: “All of us at CALM have loved following Kit’s journey across Europe over the last year. Not only has Kit raised an amazing amount, but her openness when it comes to mental health has been so incredible. We know that stories of survival have a huge impact in showing someone struggling, there’s always a way forward, and we’re so grateful that Kit’s championing such an important message.”
By reaching the finish line in Greece, Kit completed what is believed to be the very first trek of its kind. It stands as a powerful example of female resilience, recovery, and the true importance of speaking openly.
Mental Health Support
The following are helplines and support networks for people to talk to, mostly listed on the NHS Choices website:
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. Email jo@samaritans.org.
- CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably (0800 58 58 58) runs a UK helpline and webchat from 5pm to midnight 365 days a year.
- PANDAS (0808 1961 776) offers support for perinatal mental illness.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) supports teenagers and young adults feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) provides advice and support for mental health problems.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students.
- Family Lives supports those affected by bullying.
- Amparo (0330 088 9255) provides support after suicide.
- Hub of Hope is a national mental health support database. Text SHOUT to 85258.
