To mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, Jason Berry, co-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  director of mortgage distribution Charlie Morley, along with a rotating group of industry professionals (“leggers”) who took part on different days.

The six-day journey covered the entire length of the Grand Union Canal, starting at Metro Bank in Holborn, London, on 10 May, and concluding in Central Birmingham on 15 May. The events goal was to spark meaningful conversations about mental health and wellbeing in the mortgage sector, encouraging open discussions while embracing the benefits of movement and connection.

Commenting on the 2026 walk Berry said: “Six days, 145 canal miles, countless conversations and one slightly broken pair of feet later, I’m still amazed by the energy, humour and heart this industry brings when people come together for something bigger than business.

“Proud, humbled and genuinely inspired by every single Legger who joined us, especially Charlie Morley, who tackled all six days beside me proving that resilience, camaraderie and questionable navigation choices can somehow coexist brilliantly.”

Other participants on the walk were keen to show their support. Vikki Jeffries, market development director, retail distribution at L&G: “I really needed that day, just to be outside, away from work pressures and spending time with like-minded people having great conversations was a true joy, and gave me a real boost

Adam Cozens, Mortgage & Protection Advice and Operations Director at L&C Mortgages said: “The walk and talk reminded me that no matter how different we all might be in character we often all have the same challenges in life. I think we place so much focus on trying to be an individual which is great to some extent but we shouldn’t forget the world is hard for all of us.

Ian Ballinger, Senior Corporate Account Manager at HSBC: “Despite the wear & tear to my undercarriage, it was great to support such a great cause & spend the day walking & talking with like-minded industry colleagues.

Richard Merrett, Managing Director at Alexander Hall: “We are very fortunate to work in such a collaborative, supportive industry with wonderful people who are happy to come together and help with their time, good company or just a friendly word.

Kath Stagg, Principal at Stagg Mortgage Services: “My biggest takeaway was how powerful it is when people simply show up for each other, one conversation can genuinely change someone’s whole day, and don’t put me and Jane Benjamin near a canal….so likely to fall in.”

Andy Frankish, CEO of MAB Foundation: “Once you start a conversation, you realise the struggles you thought were unique to you are often shared by others, and that no one should ever suffer in silence because talking really does help.

Kevin Duffy, CEO at Mortgage Force: “I never fully appreciated it before. but there is something subconsciously cathartic and self-healing about walking & talking . I’ll leave the golf clubs in the car more often now

Kara Williams, Key Account Manager North at Together Money: “25 miles, tired legs and countless reminders for me that support doesn’t have to be big or complicated, sometimes it’s just a wonderful bunch of people helping each other keep moving and lifting each other up along the way.

And last but not least, Charles Morley, director of mortgage distribution, operations and servicing at Metro Bank: “Those six days were an incredible experience – from navigational challenges and missing bridges to unexpected encounters with people hauling suitcases, and every kind of weather imaginable.

“But throughout it all, what truly stood out was the reason we set out in the first place. The industry came together in a powerful show of collaboration, shining a light on mental health support and raising vital awareness. And above all, it’s a reminder to keep talking!”

The Mortgage Strategy team would like to applaud all those who took time out of their busy schedules to support such a worthy cause!