Two Men, Two Fridges, 1,400 Miles

Two Men, Two Fridges, 1,400 Miles: Epic Walk From Redcar to Benidorm to Tackle Mental Health Stigma

Two men from Teesside have set out on an extraordinary challenge – walking more than 1,400 miles from Redcar to Benidorm while each carrying a fridge on their back.

The pair, Tom Judge and Kev Wilcox, are taking on this gruelling trek to raise awareness of mental health struggles and to support First Contact UK Mental Health, a charity focused on suicide prevention, early intervention, and community-based support.

They officially set off on Saturday 30 August from Redcar High Street, just across the road from our own showroom, marking the beginning of a journey that will push them to their physical and emotional limits.

Why Carry a Fridge?

It’s the question on everyone’s lips – why choose to haul a heavy fridge across two countries?

For Tom, the answer is simple but powerful. The fridge is a symbol. It represents the invisible weight many people carry every single day when battling mental health issues. “When you’re struggling with your mind, the load can feel unbearable. Carrying a fridge shows that weight in a way people can see and understand,” he explained.

Kev added that doing something unusual sparks conversations that might otherwise never happen. “If people stop us and ask why we’re carrying a fridge, it gives us a chance to talk openly about mental health. That’s what this is really about.”

From Friendship to Mission

The pair didn’t know each other well until fairly recently. Kev first met Tom while out walking, and the two quickly bonded over their shared experiences of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Both men had faced dark times in their lives, but their new friendship gave them strength and purpose.

“Meeting Tom was a turning point for me,” said Kev. “We realised we’d both been through similar struggles, and we wanted to turn that pain into something positive. This walk is our way of doing that.”

Training on Teesside Streets

Before setting off for Spain, Tom and Kev became a familiar sight around Teesside. Locals often spotted them training with fridges strapped to their backs, drawing plenty of curious glances, questions, and supportive beeps from passing cars.

Tom laughed when recalling one memorable moment: “We’ve loved hearing the horns, though when it’s a massive truck and the horn makes you jump, that’s not the easiest thing when you’ve got a fridge on your back – especially with PTSD!”

But every shout of encouragement and every wave from strangers kept them motivated and reminded them why they were taking on this daunting challenge.

Raising Awareness and Funds

At the heart of this mission is a clear message: nobody should face mental health struggles alone.

“This is about so much more than walking 1,400 miles,” Tom explained. “It’s about starting conversations, reducing stigma, and showing people that it’s okay to talk. If even one person feels less alone because of what we’re doing, it will all be worth it.”

The fundraising side is just as important. Every donation goes directly to First Contact UK Mental Health, helping the charity provide life-saving services for people in crisis. That includes one-to-one support, safe community spaces, and vital early intervention work that can stop small problems turning into tragedies.

“Every pound raised means more people can access help when they need it most,” said Kev. “Too many people are struggling in silence, and this money could make the difference between despair and hope.”

A Journey Across Borders

The route from Redcar to Benidorm is not for the faint-hearted. The men will face steep hills, unpredictable weather, and the constant strain of carrying their heavy loads across hundreds of miles of roads and paths.

From the industrial heart of Teesside, their route will take them down through England, across the Channel into France, and finally into Spain before reaching their final destination – the sunny coastal resort of Benidorm.

For many holidaymakers, Benidorm is a place of fun and relaxation. For Tom and Kev, it represents the finish line of a life-changing mission.

How You Can Help

Tom and Kev are asking for the public’s support to keep them going. Whether that’s through cheering them on, sharing their story online, or donating to their fundraising page, every act of kindness helps spread their message further.

People can also follow their journey on social media, where they post regular updates, photos, and reflections from the road. Supporters can see the highs, the lows, and the sheer determination it takes to walk such an extraordinary distance.

https://www.facebook.com/firstcontactukmentalhealth

Breaking the Silence Around Mental Health

One of the key aims of the challenge is to make conversations about mental health more open and less taboo.

“Too many of us keep things bottled up because we feel ashamed,” said Tom. “We want people to see us walking with these fridges and realise that it’s okay to admit when you’re struggling. Talking about it is the first step towards healing.”

Kev agreed, adding: “If our journey helps just one person feel brave enough to reach out for support, then we’ve succeeded.”

Final Word

Two men, two fridges, and 1,400 miles might sound like an impossible task. But for Tom Judge and Kev Wilcox, it’s more than just a test of endurance – it’s a mission to save lives and bring mental health into the open.

Their journey from Redcar to Benidorm is already inspiring thousands, and their message is simple: you are not alone.

Rubberduck Bathrooms are proud to sponsor the epic walk from Redcar to Benidorm and If you’d like to support their cause, follow their progress, or donate to First Contact UK Mental Health, visit their official pages and join the conversation.

https://www.facebook.com/firstcontactukmentalhealth