Music, MIND, and Meaning: Why I Did 60 Miles For Mental Health

October is often a month of contrasts. Outside, the nights draw in and the air takes on that unmistakable autumn chill, but inside the rehearsal hall, things are full of energy, laughter, and the occasional squeaky clarinet reed. As we put the finishing touches to Halloween Spooktacular 2, I’ve also been exercising…quite a lot!

This month I completed my 60-mile challenge for MIND, a charity that’s incredibly close to my heart. MIND provides support, information, and a listening ear for anyone struggling with mental health — something that touches far more people than we often realise.

A few years ago, I reached out to MIND myself when life felt overwhelming, and I’ll always be grateful for the compassion they showed me. So this year, I wanted to give something back — one step (or several thousand steps!) at a time.

Doing those 60 miles gave me space to think. Sometimes I was buzzing with ideas for the next concert; other times I was just counting down the moments

and trying not to think about blisters! But what struck me most was how similar walking and music-making can be. Both are journeys — sometimes challenging, often rewarding, and always better when shared with others.

At Stand Sure Orchestra & Choirs, we talk a lot about community, and it’s more than just a buzzword. It’s what keeps us going when things get tough — whether that’s a tricky passage of music or something bigger in life. Every rehearsal is a reminder that being part of something creative and supportive can make an enormous difference to our wellbeing.

I’ve seen it time and again: people arriving at rehearsal tired or stressed, and leaving with smiles on their faces. Music doesn’t solve everything, but it does something extraordinary — it lifts, connects, and heals. There’s a certain magic in that first chord of the evening, when everyone plays or sings together and the world suddenly feels a bit lighter.

So, as we get ready for our Halloween Spooktacular 2 concert later this month, I want to say a huge thank you — to everyone who sponsored me, to those who’ve walked beside me (literally and metaphorically), and to everyone in the SSOCs family for creating such a positive, welcoming space for music and friendship.

If you’d like to support MIND and help them continue their amazing work, you can still donate here:👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/chris-anderson-6

And if you’re joining us at the concert — thank you for supporting live, local music. Together, we’re proving that when people stand sure and make music together, the world really does sound a little brighter.

🧠 About MIND

MIND provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.