Sam Layton will begin the challenge on September 10, World Suicide Prevention Day, travelling through all 10 Greater Manchester boroughs over six days while pushing the unusual creation, a symbol of the struggles many people face with depression.
The “black dog,” a term often used as a metaphor for depression, was created from a former coin-operated children’s ride.
The mechanics were removed and the structure mounted onto a trolley so it can accompany Sam throughout the journey.
The challenge is aimed at raising awareness of suicide and mental health issues affecting young people, while also fundraising for Support For Us, a new charity being launched to provide training and resources focused on youth mental health.
For Sam, the cause is deeply personal.
Drawing on his own experiences of depression and suicidal thoughts as a teenager, he hopes the walk will encourage more open conversations about mental health and help improve support available to young people.
He said: “Through my own lived experience of depression and thoughts of suicide as a teenager, raising awareness and improving the services provided for young people experiencing mental health issues is a subject I am passionate about.”
The route will see him pass through several towns across the region, including Bolton on day one and Bury on day two.
On the third day, he will travel through Bury before heading through Heywood and Rochdale to Oldham.
The following day he will continue from Oldham through Ashton-under-Lyne and on to Stockport, before travelling through Didsbury to Trafford on day five.
The challenge concludes on day six with a route from Trafford through Manchester and into Salford.
Alongside the walk itself, Sam plans to share mental health content throughout the six-day challenge in a bid to spark discussion and raise awareness of the issues facing young people.
World Suicide Prevention Day is observed annually to encourage action to reduce stigma around mental health and suicide, while promoting support for those who may be struggling.
By taking the black dog across Greater Manchester, Sam hopes his journey will serve as a visible reminder that people experiencing depression are not alone and that help and support are available.
Those wishing to support the campaign will be able to follow Sam’s progress as he makes his way through Bury, Bolton, Oldham, Trafford and the wider Greater Manchester region.