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My Challenge

On the 26th of April I am going to embark on a 23 day/night personal journey here in Wales hiking/wild camping along The Cambrian Way. This epic route takes me South to North along the mountainous spine of Wales, The Cambrian Way is 479km (298 miles + 2 for my OCD) in total with around 22,500m (73,700ft) of ascent. It starts at the beautiful Cardiff Castle all the way to Conwy Castle taking in some of the most scenic wonders Wales has to offer.

I'm hoping to be joined along the way by friends, work colleagues and some fantastic youngsters from local RAF Air Cadet Sqns and learners from local MPCTs, many of whom show day to day courage and resilience. Inviting you along will hopefully provide a smile and inspiration along the way.

I'm also hoping to be joined by those who work, support & have benefited from Mind Over Mountains whom this challenge is in aid of.

My story

I always had a passion for the outdoors - even more so these last 2yrs when the world went nuts. I'm not afraid to say I have had my highs and lows, at times my mental health has been to some dark places. I will be 48 in June and many years ago when I was 16/17 I was raped. For years I questioned and doubted myself, and as is often the case with us men, I  struggled to come to terms with that without opening up and chatting to someone until many years later.

I've had a fantastic 24yrs in the RAF, made some amazing friends, become the confident person I am today, yet still beneath it all I have days when my mindset isn't quite in the right place so for me that "happy" space is the outdoors, especially the mountains here in Wales. 

Just being out in the fresh air, has been my saviour. It provides me with the tranquillity, time to reflect and refocus my mind. Enjoying passing a stranger, having a brief chat often about our surroundings and wishing each other well on our journeys.

This is why I have chosen to champion a charity whom resonates with my own personal journey and provides fantastic support for others who may just be struggling yet knowing they don't need to do so alone.

Mind Over Mountains are a mental health charity offering immediate and accessible support through the healing power of nature, mindfulness and unpressured time to talk with professionals. Ranging from one day hill-walks to weekend retreats, our events run throughout the UK, with bursaries available to those with the most challenging lives.

This journey is not going to be easy, I wouldn't want it to be, as that's not a true reflection of anyone's life.

Join me if you can, we can smile, chat and take in Wales finest wonders and it may just be the start of your journey too. 

To keep updated go to insta @Fit_447outdoors where I'll be giving daily updates on my location - roughly I'll be passing through:

●Brecon Beacons

●Black Mountains

●Llandovery

●Devils Bridge

●Rhinogs

●Cadir Idris

●Snowdonia National Park

Stay strong & thanks  for taking the time to read & donate 💪🏻💯

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