A local musician dubbed ‘The Manchester Drummer’ is set to face an incredible twist on the National Three Peaks Challenge this summer, as he’s set to carry a full drum kit the ENTIRE way.
This makes our weekly stairmaster workout look like a walk in the park.
Aaron Youd, a.k.a. ‘TMD’ is set to take on the incredible feat next month in the name of mental health, especially among men.
Having sadly seen half a dozen loved ones and peers take their own lives over the last three decades, he’s putting himself through the wringer to show that mountains are there to be climbed, and chip away at those still surviving stigmas, one step at a time.
Set to ascend Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike – Great Britain’s trio of tallest summits – all whilst carrying his trusty drum kit, he’ll be putting himself through 23 miles of walking and over 10,000 feet/3,000 metres of elevation all told.
ADVERTISEMENT
When we first came across his story, we assumed he meant the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge (still staggering at more than 5,200 ft), but it turns out he does nothing by half measures.
Having spent the best part of 27 years touring and performing across the UK and Europe, Aaron’s personal connection to mental health awareness and wellbeing has only deepened over that time, choosing to represent another native charity this August.
ADVERTISEMENT
Mandem Meetup, who also have a strong base across Greater Manchester, hold completely free group walks, along with talking events, hikes and other activities, like Dungeons and Dragons games, homeless outreach work, even gym sessions with fellow Manc community hero Javeno McLean.
Speaking ahead of starting his incredible journey, Aaron said: “This challenge is about much more than endurance. It’s about raising awareness for mental health, encouraging people to speak openly, and raising as much money as possible for a cause that affects so many lives every day.
Credit: Supplied
“I’ve lost six friends and colleagues to suicide, and I know how important it is that people feel able to talk and ask for support. At each peak, I’ll be performing with the drums to spread the message that no one should struggle alone.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Every step, every climb, and every beat played is dedicated to raising awareness and making a positive difference.”
As well as embarking on his voyage on behalf of Mandem Meetup, Aaron is also now working with a big brand soon to make a splash here in the region (nudge nudge, wink wink) who are helping back him on his challenge.
Following a chance encounter here in the city centre, he happened to meet Professor David Russell, who came across him busking, but also just happens to be the CEO of the upcoming Therme Manchester.
The £500 spa and resort set to open over in Trafford may still be a way off, currently scheduled for late 2028, but as part of their promotion ahead of establishing a base here in the North West, the talented percussionist was invited to be part of the official groundbreaking ceremony last September.
As for Aaron, he signs off by adding: “Music has always been my outlet and my way of connecting with people. If this challenge encourages even one person to open up about how they’re feeling or seek help, then every difficult step will be worth it.”
ADVERTISEMENT
We wish him all the best and good luck with this superhuman and inspiring fundraising activity, not that he needs it – we have every faith he’s going to smash it.
Whilst you’re here, we’re hoping the grassroots music community can also come together to support another locally-based artist who could do with some help.
Greater Manchester’s ‘Stroll for Salford’ walking event returns for its second year in 2026
Danny Jones
Following its successful debut last year, Greater Manchester’s now much-loved Stroll for Salford (SfS) event is back for 2026 this autumn.
We’d like to think everyone from around here is filled with hometown pride, but you ask anyone from Salford, and they’ll quickly remind you that this place is its own city, and that it quite rightly deserves celebrating all of its own.
And that’s exactly what the SfS is all about: not just toasting it as the region’s so-called ‘second city’, but as the culturally abundant place that it is and has been for more than 100 years.
Yes, with this sophomore edition following on from the borough celebrating its official Centenary, what better time to hail all things Salfordian.
Stroll for Salford is back🚶🧡
We are delighted to announce the return of the popular fundraising walk back for its second edition on Saturday 19th September as part of Salford's Centenary Year celebrations!
— Salford City FC Foundation (@SalfordCity_FDN) July 30, 2026
Set up by Salford City FC and the partnered charity arm, Foundation 92, the inaugural walk raised more than £3,000 for charity with its maiden event.
Thousands got behind the cause, be it through volunteering and/or donating, as well as talking on the walking route itself back in October.
It’s actually happening a little earlier this time, with the second Stroll for Salford scheduled for Saturday, 19 September.
Kicking off from 10am, those taking part will be setting out on foot for a six-mile journey across the city, starting at the likes of the Civic Centre in Swinton, before passing through other key towns and finishing, of course, at Salford’s AIG Stadium on Moor Lane in Kersal.
The local League Two side continues to do plenty of important work in and around the community – this is just one of many recent, well-received initiatives.
As mentioned earlier, those getting involved will not only receive a special Salford t-shirt following the event alongside a finisher’s medal, but even a complimentary ticket to go and see ‘The Ammies’ in action at their home ground this season.
Not a bad deal at all.
For anyone uninitiated interested in coming along the journey, the route will also pass several key landmarks and a real sense of local history – all while doing your bit for a good cause.
You can help raise important funds for the local area and sign up for the Stroll for Salford 2026 HERE.
Elsewhere in Greater Manchester, another wholesome all-ages event is fast-approaching this August, too; keep on reading to find out all about it…
Manchester City are offering North West kids the chance to win a team training session
Danny Jones
Manchester City are offering kids across the North West a chance to win a free team training session as part of their latest grassroots competition.
Teaming up with their official sleep partners and well-known British mattress brand, Silentnight, Man City are once again giving children throughout the region the opportunity to train at the Etihad Campus itself.
Better still, all the kids have to do is what they already live and breathe to do: play footy.
Alongside the competition, they’re dishing out free advice for parents to help ensure their children get the proper rest and recovery they need through a good night’s sleep.
Continuing to promote how a good sleep in a proper bed can do wonders when it comes not only to fitness and staying active but overall health, this is part of their wider ‘Dream Big’ campaign.
Put in the simplest terms, as part of this initiative, young football teams across the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester and beyond are able to be nominated by coaches, parents, guardians or club representatives for this special scheme.
The exclusive coaching session, for whoever is fortunate enough to earn it, will be delivered directly by a professional MCFC coach at The City Football Academy.
Even better still, the winning team will also receive free Man City kits, not to mention Silentnight Healthy Growth Kids mattresses.
Speaking ahead of the event, Manchester City’s Vice President of Partnerships, Marketing and Operations, Mark Lambert, said in a statement: “Our partnership with Silentnight is built on a shared commitment to supporting healthier, more active lives, so it’s great to come together on Dream Big.
“Grassroots football plays a vital role in inspiring young players and bringing communities together, and we’re looking forward to welcoming the winning team to the City Football Academy for what we hope will be a memorable experience.”
It’s not the only big thing they’re doing to help promote grassroots football in the local area, either.
Kathryn Pinkham, sleep expert at Silentnight, went on to add: “When children are busy with school, training, matches and everything else that comes with family life, sleep can sometimes slip down the priority list.
“But for young footballers, getting enough good-quality rest can make such a difference – helping them recover after games, concentrate at school and enjoy their sport. The 10-Step Sleep Guide is designed to give families simple, practical tips they can actually use at home.”
Man City’s kids’ coaching sessions will take place on Wednesday, 19 August from 1-3pm, and applications are already live; the window closes at 11:59pm this coming Monday (3 Aug).
To find out more and put a team name forward – made up of players aged seven and over, with no more than a two-year age gap between the youngest and oldest player – you can do so HERE.
Danny Jones -
13th July 2026 
