Two friends from York, brought together by grief and heartbreak, have launched a £100,000 fundraising campaign to build the city’s first Rant & Ramble sanctuary.
Rant & Ramble is a York-based wellbeing movement aiming to change lives, one walk at a time.
What began as simple walks between two friends has quickly grown into a grassroots community offering connection, calm and care for those struggling with grief, stress, anxiety, isolation, and more.
Founders Leesa Collinge and Victoria Cain are now taking the next step, by building a permanent sanctuary, a calming, beautifully designed safe space where people can come anytime they need support.
Leesa and Victoria met through heartbreak, grief, and shared a desperate need for, “something real.”
After Leesa lost her mum to lung cancer and Victoria went through an overwhelming breakup, they both found themselves emotionally lost. With limited support available and no clear place to turn, they began walking.
“After losing my mum, I genuinely didn’t think I could carry on. Walking and talking saved me,” said Leesa. “There’s so little mental health support in York, especially for people who are struggling silently.”
Through the long hours they spent walking together, the idea for Rant & Ramble was born.
What started with just a small group of people, has now grown into a trusted and powerful community offering soulful walks, wellbeing events and transformational retreats.
Now, they’re dreaming even bigger.
What is the R&R Sanctuary?
The aim is “to create a safe and beautifully calming sanctuary in York, a warm and welcoming base where women can come any time to feel calm and not alone”.
The pair say it will give people a place to sit, breathe, rest or simply just be.
The sanctuary will offer both free and affordable sessions including reiki, yoga, journaling and sound healing, peer support, creative wellbeing and seasonal wellbeing walks.
The vision is a true home away from home with no referrals, no pressure, and no judgement.
The Crowdfunder launched on Tuesday (1 July), with a target of £100,000.
All funds raised will go towards:
- Securing a peaceful and accessible space
- Creating a cosy and calming atmosphere
- Providing subsidised retreat spaces for those in need
- Expanding access to healing experiences across York.
Those who could benefit include women who are “grieving, anxious, burned out, and completely alone”, those going through breakdowns, or living in abusive homes with nowhere else to go.
Leesa and Victoria are calling on the community to donate, share the campaign, or contribute rewards – from business sponsorship to wellness products.
Can you help?
The team is also appealing to local builders, joiners, plumbers, decorators, electricians, and businesses who can offer products, time, or sponsorship to help bring this dream to life.
Items needed include:
- Yoga matts
- Bolsters
- Bean bags
- Sofas
- Chairs
- A log burner
- Kitchen and toilet fittings
- Rugs
- Shelving
- Storage
- Paint
Every contribution helps, and businesses who support Leesa and Victoria’s venture will be proudly recognised as Founding Supporters within the Sanctuary, and across the campaign.
To offer help, donate an item or lend your skills:
- Donate here
- Email Leesa
- Call 07534 905786
- Or head to their Instagram page
Leesa and Victoria said, “This isn’t just a building. It’s a movement. And we hope it’s just the first, because everyone deserves a space like this.”