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Once every two years HSBC organizes a challenging trek in a secluded area of the world to raise money for different charities around the globe. I am extremely proud that I will be part of a group of 100 colleagues who will hike the 2020 trek. 

In March, I will complete a 100 km trek over 5 days through the high altitude Andean Volcanoes (one of the highest active volcanoes in the world) in Ecuador, with no access to typical facilities, carrying our own equipment and camping gear, sleeping rough in the middle of nowhere to raise money and awareness for mental health. This will be undoubtedly one of the most difficult hikes I have ever done as I have no idea how my body will react at altitudes over 4,300 meters.

Mental health is important because it impacts all of us – whether directly or through our friends and family. There are so many misconceptions regarding these types of illnesses.

1 in 4 people experience mental health issues each year. Yet many people suffer with their symptoms in silence. The stigma that continues to surround mental health problems prevents them from getting the help they need. People often wait years to seek help. Even though their symptoms are treatable, they were afraid to tell anyone about what they were experiencing. 676 million people are affected by mental health issues worldwide. Numbers and stats we cannot ignore or do nothing about it. 

My main reason for volunteering for this trip is to raise awareness of the mental health issues anyone could face at any stage of their lives and encourage anyone to seek help, in the same way they would with a physical health issue. 

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