This October, I’m taking on the hardest challenge of my life: a 27-day trip to Nepal, trekking to Everest Base Camp before attempting to summit Mera Peak.

I’m aiming to raise £2,000 for Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).

The challenge means long days on foot, freezing temperatures and weeks at high altitude. The summit attempt will start in the dark, crossing snow and glacier with crampons, an ice axe and ropes. Reaching the top is never guaranteed.

At the beginning of this year, I was unemployed and felt pretty lost about what to do next. I wasn’t experiencing a mental illness, but it showed me how much a lack of purpose or direction could affect my wellbeing.

Getting outside, walking, training and spending time with family helped me through that period. They didn’t suddenly make everything feel great, but they gave my days some structure.

It was during this time that I came up with Simplify Health and Daily Rhythm, which I’m now building while dog walking to help fund it. That experience shaped my belief that looking after our mental health deserves a place in everyday life, alongside our physical health.

That’s why CALM’s mission to “help people end their misery, not their lives” struck a chord with me.

CALM provides a suicide prevention helpline alongside practical tools and advice to support people who are struggling.

Healthy habits can help, but they can’t solve everything. Having someone to turn to can make all the difference, and that’s the support I want this challenge to help fund.

I’m personally covering the full cost of the expedition. Donations through this page go directly to CALM.

Anything you can donate would mean a lot. If you can’t donate, sharing the page would be massively appreciated.

Thank you,

Sol