Exeter graduate's 100km New Year challenge

While many will be celebrating the New Year with parties, Emmet Meehan, a recent University of Exeter graduate, will be tackling a grueling 100km walk while carrying 100 pounds to raise funds for mental health charity YoungMinds.

The 23-year-old, who completed an MSc in Sports Management earlier this month, expects the challenge to take 30 hours to complete. Emmet is determined to shed light on the struggles young people face with mental health, comparing the weight of his physical burden to the emotional weight many carry.

“I’m carrying something heavy for a long time, but young people often carry something emotionally heavy for far longer,” said Emmet. “This represents their unseen struggles.”

The charity, YoungMinds, works to ensure all young people in the UK have access to mental health support. Emmet’s efforts come after witnessing friends and peers face unmet mental health needs, an experience that deeply influenced his choice of charity.

For three months, Emmet has adhered to a rigorous training regime to prepare for the physical demands of the challenge. Carrying the equivalent weight of a refrigerator over such a distance poses serious risks to his joints and muscles, compounded by fatigue and sleep deprivation.

“Ultra-endurance challenges are about 70% mental and 30% physical,” Emmet explained. “I’ve trained hard, but I’m preparing my mind for how tough this is going to be - especially during the long stretches of darkness.”

Emmet won’t be entirely alone during the challenge. A support team will provide checkpoints for food, water, and gear adjustments as needed.

Drawing on his academic background in Sports Science and Sports Management, Emmet sees the challenge as a way to practice what he preaches. He aims to launch a health coaching business, using his expertise to help others optimize their physical and mental performance.

“I’m using everything I’ve learned about high performance to prepare for this,” he said. “If you can perform better physically, it boosts psychological resilience, which is key in life.”

Dr. Lynsey Melhuish, Programme Director for MSc Sports Management at the University of Exeter, praised Emmet’s dedication. “This challenge magnifies the power of sport, fitness, and the outdoors for mental health and wellbeing. Emmet’s efforts are an inspiration, and we’re proud to see him raise awareness through such a remarkable feat.”

YoungMinds, too, expressed their gratitude. Julia Garden, the charity’s Community Engagement Officer, said: “Emmet’s challenge embodies our mission to ensure no young person feels alone with their mental health. His support is invaluable.”

Remarkably, Emmet’s commitment doesn’t end with the challenge. A day after completing the walk, he begins a firefighting course, balancing it with plans for his business.

“I would have loved some rest!” Emmet joked. “But I’m prepared to push through – with a few painkillers if needed.”

To support Emmet’s challenge and contribute to YoungMinds, visit his fundraising page here.