Professional Background

I have built a career as a manager with Tesco, having worked for the company for nearly two decades. At present, I continue to serve in my local store, a role I am passionate about and thoroughly enjoy.

Personal Life

In my personal life, I share wonderful companionship with Ralph, our much-loved dog. Ralph is my loyal walking partner, whether we are exploring the beach or wandering through the beautiful local surroundings.

My Mental Health Journey

I have faced challenges with my mental health for over 30 years and was recently diagnosed with ADHD. This diagnosis adds to a long history of mental health experiences, including chronic anxiety and depression. Over the years, I have taken significant steps towards improving my well-being and can honestly say that I am now in the best mental space I have ever been throughout my struggles.

Further along my journey, I was also diagnosed with OCD. I am currently being assessed for both dyslexia and dysphoria, as I believe these diagnoses could provide further clarity and understanding of myself.

Coming to terms with my mental health took a considerable amount of time. Now, I accept and acknowledge that it is a part of who I am. Rather than fighting against it, I have learned to embrace it and live with it every day.

Facing Life’s Lowest Points

There was a time when I reached my lowest ebb, feeling on the edge and contemplating ending it all. During this period, I spent thousands of pounds living a fictitious lifestyle and turned to alcohol and energy drinks as a means of coping. The pivotal moment for me was when bailiffs arrived at my family’s door to recover a debt I had accumulated. This is where my little sister stepped in and became a guardian angel and never once asked for anything in return, my family also embraced me, faults and all, supported me in seeking help, and began a long journey of recovery. The unwavering love and support of my wife over the past seven years have been central to this process.

Today, I am proactive about my mental health and strive to make the most of every day.

Why Start a Walking Group?

My involvement with various men’s groups in the past offered valuable insight and satisfaction, especially in encouraging men to talk openly. However, something always felt missing for me. While the typical classroom, sit-down environment works well for some, I found that it was not quite right for my needs. Reflecting on my own experiences, I realized that being outdoors and walking was one of the greatest influences on my mental health. Although I often walked alone—since there were few options available for men at the time—it provided essential head-space and helped me process everyday life’s challenges.

I know I cannot save the world, but if I can encourage even one man to walk and talk with me, to open up and take positive steps towards change, then that is the greatest reward I could hope for.

Building a Supportive Community

Having walked in the shoes of a sufferer, I believe there is no better way to give back than by supporting others. This is why I am so passionate and excited to embark on this new adventure. My aim is to create a foundation for men where, each week, we can walk, talk, and build solid foundations for better mental health. Alongside this, we will have opportunities to form friendships, organised nights out, and work towards realizing this vision together.

I do not claim to have all the answers, nor can I change the world, but I can relate, share, and support others along the way. As the saying goes:

Together, stronger