I’m Ben Turner, gravel cyclist, trail runner, mountain adventurer, and advocate for mental resilience. My mission is to inspire and empower people to unlock their potential through outdoor adventure, fitness, and mindset development.

Now, I’m embarking on the 35/10 Challenge, an ambitious and deeply personal endeavor to raise £3,500 for Mind Over Mountains—a charity dedicated to improving mental health through nature and adventure.

What is the 35/10 Challenge?

Over 10 grueling days, I’ll tackle one of my toughest challenges yet:

Running the 10 highest Munros, the 10 highest Wainwrights, and the 15 Welsh 3000s, totalling 35 iconic UK peaks.

Cycling between every mountain, covering over 700 kilometers of road and remote terrain.

This challenge isn’t just about physical endurance—it’s about raising awareness for mental health and starting conversations. The number 35 reflects a sobering reality: suicide is the leading cause of death among individuals under 35. Having faced my own mental health struggles, this hits close to home. At 32, I know firsthand the healing power of mountains and nature, and just how it can pull you back from the moment where you think 'I am fighting a battle that I don't think I can win'.

Why Mind Over Mountains?

Mind Over Mountains is a national mental health charity providing life-changing support through walking retreats, mindfulness, and counseling in nature. Their work resonates with me because they champion the power of the outdoors as a sanctuary for those struggling with their mental health.

I know this work firsthand. In 2023, I was invited to deliver a talk for Mind Over Mountains about resilience, my experiences in Afghanistan, transitioning from the military, and overcoming challenges in the outdoors. At the time, however, I was in the darkest period of my life. My relationship had ended, and I’d canceled my wedding, leaving me feeling completely lost, and it seemed everything was getting worse. To my shame, my parents later confided their fear I might choose to never return from a trip to the remote Scottish mountains at the time.

I was at my lowest point, seeking refuge with only my dog by my side. following the rhetoric that men don't talk, don't share, and swallow it all down deep inside.

On the night of the talk, I felt like a fraud—how could I speak about resilience when I was barely holding it together? Instead of hiding my struggle, I tore up my script and shared the unfiltered reality with the audience and what I could learn for myself from it all. That moment taught me two vital lessons:

It’s okay to talk. Sharing my pain, thoughts, and stress helped me find clarity and strength.

Mountains heal. They give us the perspective we need to keep moving forward.

The 35/10 Challenge is not just an adventure; it’s my way of giving back to Mind Over Mountains and helping others find the support they need, as I did.

Why This Challenge Matters

In my journey—from serving in the British Army to transitioning into civilian life—I’ve relied on the mountains to provide perspective, resilience, and clarity. But I’ve also learned that strength comes from sharing struggles, not just enduring them in silence. This challenge is my way of giving back, raising awareness, and continuing the conversation around mental health.

The 35/10 Challenge is not just an adventure; it’s a call to action. Together, we can inspire others to open up, seek help, and discover the transformative power of nature.

How You Can Help

Your donation will:

1. Support Mind Over Mountains in delivering their mental health programs.

2. Empower individuals to experience the outdoors as a means of healing.

3. Contribute to reducing the stigma around mental health.

4. Every pound raised will bring us closer to changing lives. Whether you donate, share this page, or follow the journey, your support means the world to me and those who’ll benefit from this cause.

Thank you for helping me make a difference. Let’s show that together, we’re all capable of more.

Follow the journey

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benturneradventure/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/benturneradventure/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOKpuSpA7Y5lAdV9z8o8xmA

Blog: https://www.benturneradventure.com (blog coming soon!)