After 1726km and 3 months on foot, Olivia Robinson has finally completed her trek from Land’s End to John o’ Groats.
She reached the finish line yesterday afternoon, after completing the final leg of the journey along the rugged coastline of the eastern Scottish Highlands. Along the way, she visited 60 cricket clubs, who all welcomed her with open arms.
“Cricket’s positive community has been just amazing, so, so lovely,” says Liv, speaking from the pavilion at Linlithgow Cricket Club, just west of Edinburgh, three weeks ago.
“It’s good knowing that I’m making a positive impact. When I was unwell, there were people I was inspired by – and if I can now inspire the next generation, or just encourage more people to participate in cricket, then it makes it all worthwhile.”
But for Liv, the real battle has gone beyond one between bat and ball. This is despite an exciting start to her youth career on Worcestershire’s pathway and playing in Western Australia, a place she now calls home, for her local side.
The 36-year-old experienced severe mental health struggles from a young age but says that cricket was a key part of her recovery. Playing the sport can have a positive impact for plenty of young people, but for Liv, it has been even more profound. At the age of 17, it was a lifeline for her.
“I was playing Under-17s for Worcestershire before I became anorexic and tried to take my own life. My dad wanted to remind me that life could still be good. He asked me, ‘When have you enjoyed being alive?’
“Cricket was one of those moments. And he said, ‘Well, let’s make a deal.’ It sounds so crude and basic, but he told me to try getting back out on that cricket pitch. If I was still unhappy after giving it a real go, then fine – but at least I’d have tried.
“So basically, I made a deal with my parents. I’d give it one last shot.
“That decision – to step back out onto the field – proved to be a turning point.
“I started to feel the love of being outside, running around, being part of a team… My mindset got healthier alongside my physical health. The more I played cricket, the more I forgot those dark thoughts.
“It wasn’t overnight – it took a decade of hard work to get to a really healthy place. But it reminded me: there are fun things in life.”
On her journey Liv has so far raised close to £10,000 for Chance to Shine, which will be used to help the next generation learn and develop through cricket.
Chance to Shine’s work in state schools and under-served areas helps young people build confidence, find community, and gain a sense of belonging.
“Cricket gives you a sense of purpose and always allows you a chance to contribute. You can do an amazing catch, produce a diving stop on the boundary, maybe hit a 50,” Liv continued.
“There’s been a wonderful community feel at each cricket club I’ve visited. It’s so much more than just being on a field playing sport. It feels like you’re a part of a family.
“There’s a role for everyone within the community. It’s just brilliant.”
The theme of overcoming adversity through sport – especially cricket – has made raising money for Chance to Shine even more poignant.
“I’ve had so many messages,” she continued. “One woman told me her teenage son had taken his life after struggling with mental health for years. She said he’d had some good times through cricket, especially thanks to the Chance to Shine programme.
“She specifically wanted to thank me for raising money for the charity. Messages like that have been amazing – they really keep me going.”
Among those supporting Robinson’s journey are some familiar faces from the cricketing world – including Australian international Cameron Bancroft.
“I’m a full-time artist now, but I also worked as a massage therapist for Western Australia Cricket – that’s how I know him. He’s one of my best friends, a deep and wise person. He even helped out with part of the journey when I passed through Gloucestershire. We’re very similar people.”
It’s been a gruelling voyage, where solo navigation, unpredictable weather, and endless logistical hurdles have all proven to be a challenge. Liv has shown all the resilience in the world, and will have a well-deserved celebration back in Edinburgh for her birthday.
“I don’t think it’s quite sunk in that I’ve walked over a thousand kilometres, pretty much on my own – no van, no team following me.
“For the first time in a very long time, I feel proud of myself.”
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There’s still time to donate to Liv’s Just Giving page, which is linked HERE
