Sheffield man set to walk 100k for charity after losing best friend to suicide
A Sheffield man is taking on the 100k walking challenge on World Mental Health day
After losing his best friend to suicide, a man from Sheffield will walk 100k for the Sport In Mind charity on World Mental Health day on Saturday, October 10.
Lee Wisdom, aged 48, lost his best friend, Dalton Williams, who was just 37 when he died in May 2025.
Turning his grief into determination, Lee and a group of others will be walking 100k to raise money for Sport in Mind, a charity that uses sports programmes to help people struggling with their mental health.
Remembering Dalton, Lee said: “I was like a bigger brother to him. It was just utter devastation and I just couldn’t get my head around it.
“You do what a lot of people do when people die by suicide, you know, why didn’t I do this? I should have checked in on him more, why didn’t he talk to me about these things - and there’s just so many scenarios running through your mind.”
Despite the “devastation” he faced, it prompted him to create a dedicated ‘Walk and Talk’ group for men to talk about their feelings in a relaxed environment.
This began by putting a message into a WhatsApp group when he didn’t expect to receive such a big response.
He said: “I was just thinking, we need to do something again. We may not talk, but we need to do something. So I put it in a WhatsApp group, and I genuinely, honestly didn’t think I’d be here a year later with the impact the group has made.”
The group is made up of 15 to 20 men, but is open for new people to join.
The first walk took place on June, 21, 2025 and since then, they have raised thousands of pounds for charities, including Sport In Mind, with £4,000 raised so far for the charity.
The success of the group demonstrates why creating spaces for men to connect is so important.
Lee said: “We’re made to believe that we’re not allowed to talk, that showing emotions is a weakness.
“The truth of the matter is that man up kind of culture - it’s not working.”
Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that 6,190 suicides were registered in England and Wales in 2024.
For males, the suicide rate was 17.6 deaths per 100,000, compared with 5.7 per 100,000 for females.
Lee added: “I think it’s like a lot of things in life, it’s not until it lands on your doorstep does it have such an impact.”
The group took on 66 miles last year, but this time, each member aims to complete 90 miles each.
Samantah Rosier, Senior Fundraising Manager at Sport In Mind, said: “100k Your Way isn't just about reaching 100km. It’s about coming together, getting active and showing how movement and connection can support our mental health.
“Participation and fundraising will help Sport In Mind provide free sport and physical activity sessions for people experiencing mental health challenges, helping more people access opportunities to get active, build confidence and connect with others.”
The group operates under the name ‘Don’t quit your day dream’ and will be taking on the challenge alongside the women’s walking group, Sole Sisters Step.
Lee shared the impact being outside can have on someone’s mental health, he said: “It’s that physical activity, walking and talking, it’s less pressure, you’ve got fresh air and you’re outside.
“That works for me, and it will work for a lot of people.”
Neil Harris, CEO of Sport In Mind, said: “Lee’s story is a powerful example of how grief can be transformed into action and how movement can create a space for people to connect, talk and support one another.
“Losing someone to suicide can leave families and friends with unimaginable pain, but Lee has channelled that experience into something positive that is helping other men feel less alone.”
The challenge takes place on World Mental Health Day, where those taking part will complete the 100k over 10 days. Whilst Lee will be walking this length, you can also run, cycle, swim, in “any way that gets you moving”.
If you wish to take part, you can sign up here.
Call the Samaritans on 116 123.