Here’s my story

Martin Booth: A Journey of Trekking, Triumph, and Transformation

From Personal Challenges to Global Adventures Raising Thousands for Marie Curie

Martin Booth’s story is not merely a chronicle of distant trails and dramatic landscapes; it is a deeply human journey of resilience, renewal, and giving. Over the past decade, Martin has turned personal adversity into a source of inspiration, taking on remarkable trekking challenges across the world and raising over £50,000 for Marie Curie. His adventures span continents, from the heights of Machu Picchu and Kilimanjaro to the jungles of Borneo and the icy rivers of Iceland—each trek leaving a trail of friendships, memories, and tangible hope in its wake.

Setting Goals After Adversity

Martin’s professional life began in nursing, dedicating 26 years to the NHS as a Learning Disabilities Nurse. After more than three decades in healthcare, Martin’s journey took an unexpected turn. In 2011, a traumatic incident at work led to a severe mental health crisis, culminating in a diagnosis of PTSD. The road to recovery was neither brief nor easy; it required a year away from work, time in a private mental health hospital, and a re-evaluation of what the next chapter of life would hold.

The aftermath of this crisis became a turning point. Martin consciously set out a roadmap for his recovery, built on achievable goals that were both immediate and aspirational. Short-term, he focused on simply getting through his hospital stay and returning home for Christmas. Medium-term, he aimed to return to work, even if not in the same capacity as before. But it was his long-term ambition that would lead him towards the world’s great trails: to one day climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Finding New Purpose: Walking Groups and Marie Curie

As Martin’s mental health improved, he joined a local walking group. It was here that he encountered a member involved with the Marie Curie Hospice in Bradford. The passing of this friend in 2013 united the group around the cause of Marie Curie, setting the stage for the charity-focused adventures that would soon follow.

The Inca Trail: A New Beginning (2014)

The first life-changing trek arrived in 2014, when Martin seized the chance to walk the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Although this adventure was not his ultimate goal of Kilimanjaro, it marked an important beginning. The experience was both physically and mentally demanding, pushing Martin to new limits and awakening in him a passion for trekking. The journey’s vistas and ancient ruins were matched only by the camaraderie of the group and the satisfaction of raising funds for a cause close to their hearts.

The Sun Gate at Machu Picchu: (May 2014)

After the trek, Martin shared his story in Marie Curie magazine, encouraging others to take similar leaps of faith and expressing his eagerness to join future adventures.

Losing and Finding Strength: Sri Lanka & Costa Rica (2015–2017)

Martin’s mother passed away in June 2014, a devastating loss but also a motivator to continue seeking new challenges. In November 2015, he joined the Marie Curie trek in Sri Lanka, exploring lush forests and historic sites, and continuing his fundraising efforts. Each trek brought new friends, new sights, and a sense of progress—not only along the path, but in Martin’s ongoing recovery and growth.

The following adventure took Martin to Costa Rica in November 2017, where he trekked through rainforests and encountered the country’s incredible biodiversity. These journeys, each more ambitious than the last, steadily built his confidence and sense of accomplishment.

Reaching the Summit: Mount Kilimanjaro (July 2017)

Before heading to Costa Rica, Martin learned that a friend was organising a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. Seizing the opportunity, he achieved his long-standing dream and summited Africa’s highest peak in July 2017. The climb was the culmination of years of determination and self-belief—a symbol of overcoming both literal and figurative mountains.

Summit of Kilimanjaro: (July 2017)

Nepal and New Horizons (2020)

In January 2020, Martin joined 55 other trekkers on a Marie Curie expedition to Nepal. Together, the group raised an astonishing £250,000 for the charity. The trek was another revelation, offering not just spectacular Himalayan views but also deep immersion in local culture and tradition. Martin returned from Nepal with new friendships, a head full of memories, and a heart full of gratitude.

Adapting to a Changing World: Iceland and the Borneo Jungle (2022–2023)

Returning home in February 2020, Martin signed up for another ambitious trek—this time to the jungles of Borneo, planned for May 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a delay, but Martin’s appetite for adventure was undiminished. In the meantime, he joined a Marie Curie trek to Iceland, where the group experienced the magic of the Aurora Borealis, bathed in geothermal springs, and forded icy rivers, proving that incredible moments can be found wherever the journey leads.

The Aurora Borealis in the skies above Iceland (Sept 2022)

May 2023 finally brought the Borneo Jungle Survival Trek, one of Martin’s most gruelling expeditions yet. The challenge lay not in the distance, but in the relentless humidity (85%), stifling heat (35°C), treacherous terrain, and dense vegetation. Nights were spent in hammocks, with the group learning to laugh at mishaps—like a tree falling and sparing its occupants, except for the stomach aches from laughter. Insect and leech bites were badges of survival, and every member emerged from the jungle with stories to tell and a sense of shared triumph.

The Road Ahead: New Adventures and Enduring Purpose

Martin’s next planned trek was to the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, but conflict in the region caused a cancellation. Rather than disappointment, this led to new opportunities. After consultation with organisers and fellow trekkers, the group chose the Dalai Lama Himalayan Trek for November 2025, with an extension to visit the Taj Mahal and other historic landmarks in India.

Legacy of Friendship, Adventure, and Giving

Throughout his journey, Martin has emphasised the friendships made, and the memories forged. He keeps in touch with fellow trekkers and support staff from around the world, forming a global community bound by shared adventure and compassion. The impact of Martin’s fundraising is profound—not just in the thousands of pounds raised for Marie Curie, but in the hope, encouragement, and example he offers to others facing their own challenges.

Words of Inspiration

Martin’s message is simple but powerful: “I would recommend the Marie Curie treks to everyone; they’re amazing adventures.” His story serves as a reminder that through determination, openness to new experiences, and giving back to others, it is possible to turn personal hardship into purpose—and create a legacy that reaches far beyond any mountain summit.