Hi,

We are Jess & Liv, we’re bestfriends and have been friends (kinda) since we were 4 years old. 18 years and counting! Last year we spontaneously decided to book a trip to climb Snowdon together, just about made that so we’ve made the mad decision to climb the other two peaks. 

Mind is a charity that is very close to both of our hearts, so it only feels right to raise as much money as we can to support this cause. Throughout the years we’ve been each other's rocks and been fortunate enough to have an amazing support system around us through some challenging times.

Jess - 10 years ago this July I lost my dad to suicide, he was a loving, happy, amazing dad. He could definitely be strict at times (most of the time) but I wouldn’t be where I am today without the team that both him and my mum created for our family. This was the hardest time in both mine and my family's life, but losing my dad has taught me so much, most of all the importance of being open and honest (sometimes too honest) with the ones you love. The reason behind my love for walking and the outdoors definitely stems from my childhood. The memories of being dragged on long walks, up and down hills are apparent in my mind but now I can appreciate the reasons behind both my mum and dad's love for it. Mountains in particular were my dad's favorite, he was extremely passionate and loved everything about them. This is something that I have now grown to love, being at the top of Snowden last year gave me a feeling of freedom I've never felt before and the views were breathtaking. This feeling both Liv and I got at the top is the reason behind our determination for completing all three of the peaks. Not only is it for our own sense of achievement but, for me, it's to honor dad and everything he loved. I know he will be with me every step of the way. 

Liv - My love for the outdoors and walking can definitely be connected to Jess. She is one of those friends who notices when you are mentally drained and haven’t left the house in days, she’ll practically drag me out knowing how much it helps.Throughout the years I've struggled with my mental health, specifically anxiety. I’ve had times where it's almost impossible to leave the house and it's taken an extremely long time to even begin to understand this and keep going. Lifes not easy and there sure as hell has been a fair few bumps in the road so far. These bumps have made me realise how important it is to take care of yourself and that communication is key. My friends and family are such an important staple in getting me through tough times, so is the outdoors and nature. There’s nothing quite like feeling the fresh air and witnessing the beautiful scenery we have around us. I can’t describe the happiness it makes me feel even if it's hard to get going sometimes.

Here’s to family, friendship, reaching out and taking care of our mental health x