Chaplain plans 50-mile hike to fund garden at Grimsby Lifehouse

A Salvation Army Chaplain is to hit the road and hike 50 miles to raise funds to improve the outdoor space at Grimsby’s Booth House, which supports people experiencing homelessness. 

Captain Diane Taylor will walk more than two marathons in two days along the Johnson Silver Lincs Way from Scartho to Louth and back again next month. 

The funds raised will go towards building an outdoor gym, an outdoor therapy area, installing raised plant beds, and a coop for the resident chickens at Booth House. 

Captain Diane said: “We want to give our garden a much-needed makeover to improve the environment for our residents. We plan to have a heated outdoor sheltered area to use for groups and therapy sessions, which will help us engage with residents and break down barriers. 

“There are barriers for people experiencing homelessness accessing outdoor space. They experience some prejudice and are often moved on from parks, so a lot of our residents don’t feel comfortable sitting in public spaces. Our garden will be a safe space where they can reap the benefits the outdoors has for recovery and mental health.

“The side of the garden will be cleared and outdoor gym equipment fitted. It will have cross trainers, bikes, and weights, and will be accessible for wheelchair users. We know that outdoor spaces can help aid recovery for addiction and mental health, so having our own outdoor gym is a no brainer for us." 

There will be a sheltered area for charging mobility scooters and accessible raised beds so residents can grow fruit, vegetables and flowers. This will build on skills residents already have by volunteering in the garden at the nearby Grimsby Salvation Army Worship and Community Centre. 

Last summer, the Lifehouse introduced five chickens, named Sporty, Ginger, Scary, Posh and Baby to the garden. They recently incubated a clutch of eggs and have added five chicks to the family. 

Diane continued: “Our famous chickens will be getting a new purpose-built chicken coop to enhance their environment. The chickens have provided a real boost to resident’s wellbeing and not to mention fresh eggs!” 

Diane will walk just over 50 miles in 36 hours on Friday 8 August and Saturday 9 August. It’s a personal journey for her too as she lost more than eight stone in weight over the past couple of years and discovered a love of walking. 

She said: “Two years ago I couldn’t walk up the stairs never mind think about walking 50 miles. 

“Walking is great for my mental health and I love prayer walking. While I walk it’s my spiritual time and my time with God. Being out in the countryside, out in nature, I just get such blessing from that. 

“I’ve been doing quite a lot of training and recently walked the West Highland Way - 100 miles in eight days. I hope sharing my enjoyment for exercise and the outdoors will encourage others to discover a passion for wellbeing. You don’t have to pay to walk, you can do it on your own. It’s there on our doorstep.” 

Booth Lifehouse provides accommodation as well as support and signposting to services helping with addictions, mental health, benefits, debt and employment advice, and housing for up to 35 people. 

To donate to Diane’s challenge click here