For as long as I can remember, I have suffered with mental health in abundance, which over the years has got worse through the choices I have made as a result of having the illness. I have always found it difficult to fit into "normality" and the pressures of life. My life has been a rollercoaster to say the least with a lot of mistakes that I'm not proud of. 

In May 2020, the pressures of life got on top of me and without seeing an end to the daily battles and torment in my mind, I attempted to take my own life in which I was almost successful. I was resuscitated a number of times and on life support in a coma. If it wasn't for the quick response and dedication of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight air ambulance and emergency services I may not be here today. 

I've decided to take on a mammoth challenge of walking the entire UK coast. (England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and nearly 200 Islands surrounding the mainland. I'm undertaking this monumental walk for myself and my mental health in the hope that I will find and rediscover myself along the way. But I figured why not kill two birds with one stone and raise awareness for mental health and male suicide in the hope I can inspire others to realise that life really is worth living and there are positive and healthy ways to do it. 

I am also using this walk as an opportunity to raise money for the organisation who was there to save my life - Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. They are dedicated individuals and their amazing work is instrumental in saving lives. 

Please feel free to support me or the air ambulance as I take on my walk to rediscovery.

Facebook - My walk to rediscovery

Instagram - sand.sea.basilandme

Cheers!

Josh :) x