The Challenge

The highest freestanding
mountain in the world, Kilimanjaro is also the highest mountain on the African continent at 5896m. Its snow-capped summit rises high above the dusty African plains; huge permanent glaciers flow down from the summit, spectacular views and beautiful ice formations are the reward for pushing your limits both physically and mentally.

The trek takes the Machame route, allowing gradual acclimatisation to the altitude and an excellent chance of reaching the summit. We pass through thick forest, moorland and scree en route to Uhuru Peak, the highest point. This is a challenging trek at altitude, climbing one of the most impressive mountains in the world.

Induction to Me

Hi, so this Just-Giving page will tell you all about my journey from training through to climbing Kilimanjaro. I shall be leaving the UK on December 26^th 2019 and summiting the mountain 1^st Jan 2020! Not just in support of Samaritans (raising lots of money along the way!) but more importantly to try and unite the construction industry in dealing with the major issue of mental health within the workplace and telling
everyone out there #itisokaynottobeokay.

I will be doing regular Blog updates about new sponsors, my training and most importantly supplying a list of resources, contact numbers and statistics to help anyone out there that is struggling with mental health.

So how am I going to show that the construction industry is united in this stand to support mental health? That’s the easy bit - you the
manufacturers and contractors are going to kindly donate or pledge money via this page and for that you will get a little mention here and in my Blogs and Vlogs. For those really generous people out there you will get your logo on my flag (Pledges received before December 31^st 2018). This flag will go on all my travels be pictured on all my training climbs, so it will go to the top of Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike to name but a few! Finally this flag will be at the top of Africa and Kilimanjaro! Carried every step of they way by myself.

So why now? Why me? And why Kilimanjaro? The first thing you need to understand is, it is good to talk. and although everything I share here
worked for me the key thing is this:

Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year. You can talk to us any time you like, in your own way, about whatever’s getting to you.

Call us free,
anytime, on 116 123

Email us at
jo@samaritans.org

Visit us – find your
local branch at www.Samaritans.org  

So several months ago my world imploded with the end of my marriage after 10 very happy years. In that moment I saw no way out of the hole
I was in; I didn’t ask for any of this, my self-esteem was at an all-time low, I felt worthless and I had no fight left in me. I sat on the sofa of my living room looking at a picture on the wall of my family and decided in that moment the best thing for everyone was if I wasn’t here anymore. I contemplated various ways and once I had settle on a plan I sat  plucking up the courage to carry it out and then just going for a very long walk. In that moment I HAPPENED to look at that very same picture but this time seeing my boys smiles, the joy and happiness in their faces, I picked up the phone and dialed 116123. A lady answered and I just started talking. The more I talked and cried, the more I realised that suicide was not the answer to my problems, and in fact to me it meant I would only cause more pain for my boys and even my ex-wife. So after much talking, I eventually left feeling a little stronger and my very next call was to MIND (more on them in another Blog Post).

So that was the start the first step forward in what has
been a long journey.  I am determined to share my story of the come weeks and months to prove that talking and asking
for help is not a sign of weakness – it is okay not to be okay!

Please share this post with your colleagues and friends, donate using the buttons or contact me direct if you’d like to sponsor the flag.

Lastly I want to thank all my friends who have supported me,
stood by me and most importantly just listened to me when I have called.  Without their support this would be a much harder journey ………. Love to you all.