Rosie Smith
Grab the poles, we're climbing Ben Nevis!
Fundraising for DrugFAM / The Nicholas Mills Foundation
Story
On the 3rd June 2017, my Mum passed away after a long personal battle. The years leading up to her death were tough on me and very challenging. Growing up, Mum was generous, full of life and always wanting to be the life and soul of the party. I struggled with the mental and physical changes she went through and I kept a lot of my thoughts and feelings about the situation buried deep. Mainly, because of the stigma attached, fear of making others feel awkward and because I didn’t really know how to deal with it.
In the last 6 months of Mum’s life, I encountered a charity called DrugFAM, who became an extended support network for me. Attending weekly support groups with people in similar situations to myself, it allowed me to speak openly to others about how I felt and listen to their experiences. In turn this gave me the opportunity to express my thoughts in a safe environment. They also operate a 12 hour a day, 7 days a week, telephone line, which became invaluable help for me along with the support group.
To honour the work that they do, recognise the support they have provided me and do something in memory of Mum I needed a new, positive challenge. I spent 4 months deciding what to do. I wanted something achievable and fun (although probably won’t be thinking that when I am ¾ of the way up!). So, I’ve gathered the troops (e.g. my willing friends) and we will be climbing Ben Nevis on the 22nd September 2018.
For those revisiting the page, the climb was the 16th June, but I've unfortunately had to postpone due to an ACL tear I sustained while skiing in March. I've moved it to September to give myself the best chance possible of being able to do the climb this year (more on my blog page, listed below).
Some of the group have their own personal reasons for wanting the challenge and some just love a good mountain walk. For me, the help I got and continue to get from DrugFAM is quite difficult to put into words, so this gesture seems like the most fitting way to express my gratitude. Hopefully, along the way, it will encourage other people
in similar situations to connect with DrugFAM and allow them to get the same support I did.
Team members: Rosie, Beth, Ian, Matt, Emilia, Caroline, James & Maia
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
In the last 6 months of Mum’s life, I encountered a charity called DrugFAM, who became an extended support network for me. Attending weekly support groups with people in similar situations to myself, it allowed me to speak openly to others about how I felt and listen to their experiences. In turn this gave me the opportunity to express my thoughts in a safe environment. They also operate a 12 hour a day, 7 days a week, telephone line, which became invaluable help for me along with the support group.
To honour the work that they do, recognise the support they have provided me and do something in memory of Mum I needed a new, positive challenge. I spent 4 months deciding what to do. I wanted something achievable and fun (although probably won’t be thinking that when I am ¾ of the way up!). So, I’ve gathered the troops (e.g. my willing friends) and we will be climbing Ben Nevis on the 22nd September 2018.
For those revisiting the page, the climb was the 16th June, but I've unfortunately had to postpone due to an ACL tear I sustained while skiing in March. I've moved it to September to give myself the best chance possible of being able to do the climb this year (more on my blog page, listed below).
Some of the group have their own personal reasons for wanting the challenge and some just love a good mountain walk. For me, the help I got and continue to get from DrugFAM is quite difficult to put into words, so this gesture seems like the most fitting way to express my gratitude. Hopefully, along the way, it will encourage other people
in similar situations to connect with DrugFAM and allow them to get the same support I did.
Team members: Rosie, Beth, Ian, Matt, Emilia, Caroline, James & Maia
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.