To mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, Jason Berry, founder of the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC), once again led the Walk and Talk 2026 event. This year, Berry was joined by Metro Bank’s director of mortgage distribution Charlie Morley, and a rotating group of industry experts (“legs”) who participated on different days.
The six-day tour covers the entire length of the Grand Union Canal, starting at the Metro Bank in Holborn, London, on 10 May, and ending in Central Birmingham on 15 May. The goal of the events was to spark meaningful conversations about mental health and well-being in the mortgage industry, encouraging open discussions while embracing the benefits of movement and communication.
Commenting on the 2026 tour Berry said: “Six days, 145 miles in the trenches, countless conversations and one pair of slightly broken feet later, I am still amazed by the energy, humor and heart this industry brings when people come together for something bigger than business.
“I’m proud, humbled and truly inspired by every Legger who joined us, especially Charlie Morley, who worked all six days alongside me proving that choosing fitness, friendship and the questionable choice of wandering can somehow coexist.”
Others who participated in the trip wanted to show their support. Vikki Jeffries, market development director, retail distribution at L&G: “I really needed that day, just being outside, away from the pressures of work and spending time with like-minded people having good conversations was a real joy, and gave me a real boost.
Adam Cozens, Director of Mortgage Advice and Protection and Operations at L&C Mortgages said: “Walking and talking reminded me that no matter how different we may be in character, we often have the same challenges in life. I think we focus too much on trying to be individual which is good to some extent but we should not forget that the world is hard for all of us.
Ian Ballinger, Senior Corporate Account Manager at HSBC: “Despite the wear and tear of my undercarriage, it was great to support such a great cause and spend the day walking and talking with like-minded industry colleagues.
Richard Merrett, Managing Director at Alexander Hall: “We are very fortunate to work in a cooperative, supportive industry with wonderful people who are happy to meet and help with their time, good company or just a friendly name.
Kath Stagg, Principal at Stagg Mortgage Services: “My biggest takeaway is how powerful it is when people talk to each other, one conversation can change someone’s whole day, and not put me and Jane Benjamin in the gutter….
Andy Frankish, CEO of the MAB Foundation: “Once you start the conversation, you realize that the struggles you thought were unique to you are often shared by others, and that no one should suffer in silence because talking really helps.
Kevin Duffy, CEO of Mortgage Force: “I’ve never fully enjoyed it before. But there’s something subconscious and self-healing about walking and talking. I’ll leave the golf clubs in the car more often now.”
Kara Williams, Key Account Manager at Northern One Money: “25 miles, tired legs and countless reminders to me that support doesn’t have to be big or hard, sometimes it’s a good crowd of people helping each other to keep moving and lift each other up along the way.
Finally, Charles Morley, director of real estate distribution, operations and servicing at Metro Bank: “Those six days were an incredible experience – from fishing challenges and missing bridges to unexpected encounters with people dragging suitcases, and every kind of weather imaginable.
“But through it all, what really stood out was why we set up the site in the first place. The industry came together in a powerful show of collaboration, shining a light on mental health support and awareness. And most of all, it’s a reminder to keep talking!”
I Mortgage Strategy The team would like to applaud all those who took time out of their busy schedules to support such a worthy cause!
