So here’s a little bit about me and the reason I am raising money and awareness to support those struggling with their mental health. This may not be an easy read for some and may come as a shock but I wanted to be as open and honest as possible about why this is so important to me.  

Here goes….

If you were to ask me 1 year ago where I would see myself at this point in time, and if I were to answer honestly, I’d respond with “dead” because I could not envisage ever dragging myself out of the unhappy hole I had found myself in.

I have never admitted this to anyone, especially not my friends or family, but at the time I had set myself a short timeframe of a “final shot at life”. I promised myself that I would continue fighting my depression for another month and do everything in my power to make a positive change.

I’d tried therapy and medication in the past and felt like although these things helped, they never really solved the problem. I knew that if I was going to make a lasting change, I really needed to step out of my comfort zone and let go of what was expected of me to truly find myself and what makes me happy.

At the time, we were in the midst of lockdown, and my only way of seeing and interacting with others was to venture outside for a walk every day. Little did I know that the habit of walking would not only save my life, but would soon turn into my love for hiking and mountains.

It’s safe to say that my outlook on life has completely changed and I’ve continued to push myself out of my comfort zone and build a life I’m proud of, filled with happiness and adventure.

I count myself lucky every day that I found my passion and was able to lift myself out of my depressive state. Had I not pushed on through the difficult times I honestly don’t think I would be here now.

I never want anyone else to feel the way I did. Granted I can’t help everyone, but I’d like to raise money and awareness to help as many people as possible to change their lives for the better. 

I have decided to push myself and take on a number of Hiking Challenges over the next few years, the first being the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, which I will be completing on 26th September. 

I will be raising money for the charity Mind Over Mountains. The work that they do is amazing and the money raised will help others who are suffering with their mental health to find a natural way to manage this.

Since I was a teenager I have struggled with my mental health and have experienced anxiety, depression, loneliness and was diagnosed in my early 20’s with OCD.   Thankfully none of these things affect me today. 

Getting out into the mountains has been the best form of therapy I could have ever wished for and I hope that in completing these hiking challenges I can raise money for others to find the same benefits from hiking that I have.

Any donations you can give to support would be greatly appreciated. Every life matters, so let’s make it count 🖤

Chloe x

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