Lee Hughes, a member of Walk Florrie—our Men’s Wellbeing Group—is taking on an extraordinary challenge—walking 100,000 steps in a single day, covering an impressive 50 miles—to raise funds for The Florrie Preservation Campaign. His journey is not just about physical endurance; it’s about resilience, recovery, and giving back to the community that helped him.
Lee’s Story:
“My name is Lee Hughes. I’ve been battling with depression for years, starting when my mum and dad both passed away. Then in June 2024, I split with my partner of 12 years, with whom I have an amazing, beautiful daughter. I decided enough was enough and concluded there was no other way out for myself but to take my own life through an overdose.
I ended up at the Royal Hospital where, first of all, they managed to save my life and then set me on the path I needed to start my recovery. I was offered a position at James’s Place on Catherine Street to speak to one of their mental health therapists. It was such a relief to finally have someone to tell all my struggles I’d bottled up for so long. I’d looked at myself as a coward for not asking for help in the past, even though I had good family and friends around me at the time.
I could feel my confidence slowly growing and soon I felt on top of the world. I’d been crying out to open up to someone but would never ask for help, seeing it as a weakness. After a few sessions, a few different places were mentioned to visit to not only build my confidence but occupy my mind while also helping with my recovery. One was called The Florrie (which is without doubt the most fantastic set-up I’ve ever seen). They run a men’s wellbeing group which is on twice a week on every Monday and Friday.
I eventually called in and met up with Tony, who was immediately welcoming and genuine. He told me he set the walk up in 2022 to help men open up about their issues and end the stigma that they don’t talk. Since the day I joined Walk Florrie the group have accepted me as one of their own and are a brilliant bunch of lads who have helped me massively with my recovery. You hear fantastic stories on the walks from men from a similar background and also those who have been through similar journeys.
I still take one day at a time, but with the help from the Royal Hospital, James’s Place, and The Florrie, this letter would honestly never have been written. So, a big thank you to everyone who has helped me so far on my recovery, with a special mention to Tony and Timo at The Florrie. As a thank you for the help I’ve received, I’m planning on doing a non-stop 100,000-step walk for The Florrie as a way to say thank you and help raise some much-needed funds.
Thank you for reading my story, and please, men, ask for help if you’re suffering because it works and has helped me change my life around.”
Supporting Lee’s Journey
Lee hopes to raise essential funds to preserve The Florrie—a Grade II listed Victorian building that serves as a social, cultural, and charitable hub for Liverpool’s L8 community.
The Florrie has been a lifeline for countless individuals, offering programs like Walk Florrie, which helps men like Lee open up, connect, and share their journeys.
Please, if you can afford to donate, donate to support Lee at https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-the-florrie Every penny counts, and even if you can’t afford it, please share this story to help us reach as many people as possible.