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A Selby man is taking on an extraordinary challenge to raise money for a local mental health charity that he credits with saving his life - The Big Communitea.
Craig Lewis is walking from John O’Groats to Land’s End, spending an incredible 65 days crossing Scotland and England on foot, in a challenge that’s being dubbed ‘Heel to Heal’.
It’s a deeply personal challenge for Craig, who lost his home, family and marriage to addiction, battling severe mental health struggles. However, in 2025, he reached out to The Big Communitea and has now turned his life around.
Craig is starting his challenge on Mental Health Awareness Week with VIP treatment from the UK’s leading open access rail operators Lumo and Hull Trains. The inspirational fundraiser is travelling to London from Selby with Hull Trains, chatting to customers about his challenge during his journey. He will then join a Lumo service to Edinburgh, ahead of making his way to the official starting point.
Hull Trains has supported The Big Communitea for several years, with charity founder John Venable recently starring on the operator’s popular ‘Moving Minds’ mental health podcast. The charity offers a mental health support line and community drop-in centre, helping countless people every day.
John Venable, Founder of The Big Communitea, said: “For Craig, this walk is deeply personal. But for us, it’s something even bigger. It shows the life-changing impact of mental health support and the power of community. It reflects everything The Big Communitea stands for: a safe, supportive space where people can rebuild, reconnect, and realise they are not alone.
“Thank you, as always, to our friends at Lumo and Hull Trains for their support. We can always count on them to support us when we come up with these ideas and they are truly passionate about helping people, which means a great deal.”
Craig Lewis added: “There are so many people like me who have hit rock bottom but are trying to find their way back. With the right support, understanding and opportunity, recovery is possible. Just look at my story.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far, especially Lumo and Hull Trains who are giving me the best start to the challenge!”
Richard Salkeld, Director of Communications and Partnerships at Lumo and Hull Trains, said: “Everyone at Lumo and Hull Trains is wishing Craig the best of luck with this inspirational challenge. We’re pleased to play a small part in his charity challenge getting underway and looking forward to tracking his progress during the coming weeks.
“This is a wonderful example of community spirit, something that we’re proud to champion. The communities we connect are stronger for charities like The Big Communitea and long may their important work continue.”
Lumo, renowned for being among the top performing UK operators, recently added Glasgow and Falkirk High to its popular all-electric East Coast Main Line service. The operator has also this week announced that its pioneering new West Coast Main Line service will officially launch on 25 May.
Hull Trains, meanwhile, is celebrating recently being named ‘Operator of the Year’ at the industry-renowned Spotlight Rail Awards. The company also recently secured the highest scoring position in the latest Rail Customer Experience Report.
You can donate to Craig’s challenge here.
Craig Lewis is walking from John O’Groats to Land’s End, spending an incredible 65 days crossing Scotland and England on foot, in a challenge that’s being dubbed ‘Heel to Heal’.
It’s a deeply personal challenge for Craig, who lost his home, family and marriage to addiction, battling severe mental health struggles. However, in 2025, he reached out to The Big Communitea and has now turned his life around.
Craig is starting his challenge on Mental Health Awareness Week with VIP treatment from the UK’s leading open access rail operators Lumo and Hull Trains. The inspirational fundraiser is travelling to London from Selby with Hull Trains, chatting to customers about his challenge during his journey. He will then join a Lumo service to Edinburgh, ahead of making his way to the official starting point.
Hull Trains has supported The Big Communitea for several years, with charity founder John Venable recently starring on the operator’s popular ‘Moving Minds’ mental health podcast. The charity offers a mental health support line and community drop-in centre, helping countless people every day.
John Venable, Founder of The Big Communitea, said: “For Craig, this walk is deeply personal. But for us, it’s something even bigger. It shows the life-changing impact of mental health support and the power of community. It reflects everything The Big Communitea stands for: a safe, supportive space where people can rebuild, reconnect, and realise they are not alone.
“Thank you, as always, to our friends at Lumo and Hull Trains for their support. We can always count on them to support us when we come up with these ideas and they are truly passionate about helping people, which means a great deal.”
Craig Lewis added: “There are so many people like me who have hit rock bottom but are trying to find their way back. With the right support, understanding and opportunity, recovery is possible. Just look at my story.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far, especially Lumo and Hull Trains who are giving me the best start to the challenge!”
Richard Salkeld, Director of Communications and Partnerships at Lumo and Hull Trains, said: “Everyone at Lumo and Hull Trains is wishing Craig the best of luck with this inspirational challenge. We’re pleased to play a small part in his charity challenge getting underway and looking forward to tracking his progress during the coming weeks.
“This is a wonderful example of community spirit, something that we’re proud to champion. The communities we connect are stronger for charities like The Big Communitea and long may their important work continue.”
Lumo, renowned for being among the top performing UK operators, recently added Glasgow and Falkirk High to its popular all-electric East Coast Main Line service. The operator has also this week announced that its pioneering new West Coast Main Line service will officially launch on 25 May.
Hull Trains, meanwhile, is celebrating recently being named ‘Operator of the Year’ at the industry-renowned Spotlight Rail Awards. The company also recently secured the highest scoring position in the latest Rail Customer Experience Report.
You can donate to Craig’s challenge here.
