I’ve been very fortunate in life and feel the time has come to give something back. I don’t wish to come across as Mr Virtuous or Mr Altruistic because any shrink, vicar or self-help guru worth their salt will tell you there is nothing more rewarding than giving. It’s good for the soul, man.

The idea for doing RAKs (Random Acts of Kindness) was born when I was having a difficult time. I was suffering from anxiety and seriously lacking in self-esteem and then to cap it all was made redundant. I had been editor of what was originally called Daily Mail Ski and Snowboard magazine for nearly 20 years. When it came to an end it was like losing a limb (I imagine). It was a significant part of my identity and without it I was very fearful for the future.

I took another dip when caring for my ailing mother and working for an events' company focussing on environmental events. It's a great company with an excellent MD and team of employees. But it was ill suited to me and I left within a year.

My mother went further downhill and died just before Christmas 2024. I was able to spend much of her final year looking after her and she died where she wanted - at home. It was a good death, so much as these things can be but as everyone who has dealt with the death of a parent knows, it really takes its toll on the close survivors.

I started supporting Snow-Camp during this difficult time through doing Random Acts of Kindness (RAK), hoping to inspire others to do the same and raise awareness of Snow-Camp at the same time. (I set up a separate Instagram account to document the RAKS).

I have always been a supporter of the great work Snow-Camp does, helping less fortunate inner city young people reach their full potential. Since the lockdown, I know the charity has had to up its game providing ways to help members with increased mental health challenges. 

Mental health, snowsports, RAK, me. It is a natural fit. I initially set a very punchy target of raising £10,000 for Snow-Camp through doing RAKs by September 28 2021. Obviously this date is long gone and because I lost my mojo and haven't pushed the initiative the amount raised falls far short (£1300). But it's still a decent amount and thank you all for contributing.

I'm going to continue doing RAKs and documenting them but not pushing it as a vehicle to raise money.You can follow my progress on Insta www.instagram.com/rak_henry

I have other, one off ideas, that I believe will work much better. The first is a sponsored litter pick in my local area, Dorking, next week. I'm also planning to host a ski holiday where Snow-Camp will be the beneficiaries. I'll keep you posted.