126 miles for D: Sarah steps out from Stockport to Whitby in memory of lifelong friend

• Sarah Brierley-Morrissy will walk 126 miles from Stockport to Whitby in memory of her oldest friend, Denise

• Seven-day challenge will take Sarah through Greater Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, York, Malton and Scarborough before finishing at Denise’s memorial bench in WhitbyAA Trust calls for minimum learning period in consultation as well as broader measures to help improve safety for new drivers and their passengers

• Sarah hopes her journey will encourage people who are struggling with their mental health to talk and seek support

126-mile walk from Stockport to Whitby in memory of lifelong friend

Sarah Brierley-Morrissy, from Stockport, is preparing to walk 126 miles across northern England in memory of the friend she had known since they were just four years old - and to encourage others to talk when they are finding life difficult.

Sarah will leave Stockport on 17 October and make her way on foot through Greater Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, York, Malton and Scarborough before arriving at Whitby on 24 October.

Waiting for her at the end will be the memorial bench dedicated to her oldest friend, Denise - known to Sarah simply as "D".

Remembering D and a friendship that began at four

The pair were friends from the age of four until Denise died by suicide in October 2021, aged 32, after experiencing depression.

Sarah remembers D not for the difficulties she experienced towards the end of her life, but as an outgoing, friendly and caring person who loved dogs and was always ready to support other people.

Whatever else was happening in their lives, Wednesday evening was always "Sarah and D night" - something Sarah says she misses enormously.

Now Sarah, who works for The AA, hopes her walk will celebrate those years of friendship while helping others feel able to speak about how they are feeling.

Sarah said: "D was my oldest friend and played a huge part in my life. She was outgoing, incredibly friendly and would always look after other people, sometimes before she looked after herself.

"I can't change what happened, but I can do something positive in her memory. If this walk encourages even one person who isn't feeling OK to tell somebody how they're really feeling, then every mile will have been worthwhile.

"There are people who want to listen. Whether that's a friend, family member, a support organisation or a wellbeing team at work, please reach out and talk to somebody."

From 5km runs to a year of fundraising challenges

The walk also marks the culmination of a remarkable personal journey for Sarah.

In April 2025, she decided to invest more time in her own physical and mental wellbeing, changing her lifestyle and eating habits. Over the following 18 months she lost five stone and began regularly taking part in 5km and 10km events, including Park Runs around the UK.

In January this year, she decided to turn her fitness journey into a year of fundraising, setting herself a new challenge every month.

By progressing from 5km and 10km events to marathons and cycling challenges, Sarah has continued to push herself further, using parkrun as a key part of her training.

Now, she is preparing to take on her 10th challenge of the year - and by far her biggest yet.

Seven days and 126 miles to D's favourite place

Sarah's tenth challenge will see her spend seven days walking from Stockport to the Yorkshire coast, with a rest day in Scarborough before the final leg to Whitby.

Whitby was D's favourite place and Sarah plans to finish at her friend's memorial bench on East Terrace Way before marking the moment with fish and chips from Trenchers, their favourite chippy.

Sarah hopes reaching Whitby will also help her find some acceptance following the loss of her friend and leave her ready for whatever comes next.

Encouraging people to talk about how they are feeling

Rebecca Heal, Wellbeing Manager at The AA, said: "What Sarah is doing is incredibly personal, but the message behind it is something that can resonate with all of us. Sometimes asking someone how they are and taking the time to really listen to the answer can make an enormous difference.

"We're immensely proud of Sarah for taking on this challenge in D's memory and for using her experience to encourage others to talk."

Supporting mental health and suicide bereavement charities

Sarah is hoping to raise £1,500 to support mental health causes and organisations that have helped her.

Support is available through organisations including Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS), which supports adults affected by suicide bereavement, and Andy's Man Club, which provides free peer-to-peer support groups for men.

Anyone struggling with their mental health is encouraged to speak to someone they trust or seek support through specialist organisations, their GP, or wellbeing and employee support services available through their workplace.

How to support Sarah's 126-mile walk

Sarah's fundraising page can be found at: Help raise £1,500 to support Mental Health - JustGiving Crowdfunding

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