Fundraising
Back in 2017 I was finding my feet after a severe bout of depression. After locking myself away from the world for 2 years, I found solitude within the hills of the Lake District.
Being outside was so beneficial for my mental wellbeing and I had to find a way of sharing this. So for my 40th birthday, instead of organising a night out, my social anxiety would have gone overboard, I decided to walk and talk about my experiences of trying to recover from depression. Where else but on Britains Highest Mountain Ben Nevis.
One of the busiest mountains in the Uk, I knew I would meet many people, and as it transpired, had hit the hills too for their own wellbeing.
A challenge to walk to the summit everyday for the month of October. I wanted to raise awareness of the benefits of being outside and on our mountains, and also raise money for the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team. A day before the challenge begun, I found myself talking to the mountain, asking the weather gods to be nice through October. Loosing a close friend through depression a week before, I dedicated my walk to him and later his family would join me for ascent on one of the days.
Each day, the weather didn’t seem to improve much but it didn’t dampen the spirits. I found myself changing routes as much as possible but you’d have found me at some point on a day, somewhere on the mountain. Joining other volunteers on the mountain, repairing paths or picking up litter on the summit, each day was as different as possible. As time went by, it got easier but don’t get me wrong, a few days really tested me and resulted in abandoning 2 days summit attempts. Bad weather one day and exhaustion the other. The weather eventually eased on the 31st summit typically
A tough but rewarding month that not only helped raise over £3000 for the team but changed my life forever as well as helping people along the way that I had met. As well as a slot on various radio stations and Bbc Breakfast live.
Not one for turning another challenge down, the following birthday, I was rasing money for the Guide Dog Association by again ascending Ben Nevis but this time blindfolded.. Now that was a challenge
In the years since 2017 I have been involved with lots of various Charity Fundraisers up and down the Uk including Ben Nevis a few times for Teenage Cancer Trust and The Nepal Earthquake Appeal as well as walking with restricted vision in the Lake District with my good friend Colin for Ushers Syndrome.
And I don’t think I’m done with challenges quite yet so watch this space.
