Many of you are aware that at the heart of Emery Little’s ethos is the idea that we should strive to Live Life On Purpose.
When I became Chairman, my daughter, Jo Little, challenged me to think about how I incorporate this ethos into my own life.
Last Summer, I celebrated a milestone – my 60th birthday.
I’ve used this as an opportunity to explore my love of music and enjoy sixty different and diverse venues over the course of the year.
I’m pleased to say that I’ve achieved this lofty goal, and venue number sixty was a blast from the past, with Simple Minds supported by Del Amitri at the O2.
But this isn’t all I’ve been doing.
I’ve spent the past few months preparing for another, completely different challenge.
On Easter Saturday, I embarked on a remarkable journey to celebrate my 60th year.
I began trekking the Camino De Santiago from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela, covering a challenging distance of 500 miles. This personal trek is not only an opportunity for me to push my limits but also a chance to make a difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health.
Mental health is an issue close to my heart, and I believe it’s crucial that we openly discuss and address it. It deeply concerns me to see so many young people in particular battling mental health challenges. That’s why I have chosen to support Mind, an incredible mental health charity that provides invaluable help and support in this area.
As part of my preparation for this arduous journey, I have been training rigorously. From long local walks with an 8kg kettlebell in my rucksack to physio appointments, I have dedicated myself to physical and mental preparation. The muddy footpaths and heavy rainfall have tested my determination, but nothing can deter me from this cause.
The Camino De Santiago is not just a physical challenge; it’s also an opportunity for personal growth and reflection. Carrying my gear on this pilgrimage, in my rucksack, symbolizes the weight we all carry when it comes to mental health struggles.
While planning this adventure has been both exciting and nerve-wracking, I am committed to making a difference. My goal is not only to complete this incredible journey but also raise significant funds for Mind. Every step I take will be dedicated to those who need our support.
If you are interested in following my progress along the Camino De Santiago, you can find daily updates on the Strava app by searching for Andy Little from Nettleden (my profile pic is from my 60th birthday party 😂) or by visiting my JustGiving page.
I humbly ask for your support in raising funds for Mind.
You’ll find my JustGiving page here.
Your contribution will go directly towards providing vital resources and assistance for individuals facing mental health challenges. Together, we can make a lasting impact on their lives.
