Profile
Hello, my name is Mike, and I am the walk leader for the Abbey Wood group in SE London.
At 58 years old, I bring my extensive experience as a Life Coach, Therapeutic Counsellor, and Hypnotherapist to support and guide others on our walks. My journey to this role is deeply personal.
In 2004, my then-wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. With a 72% chance of surviving ten years following a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, the emotional toll was immense. We had two young sons, aged 6 and 4, at the time. While all emotional support from charities was focused on my wife, I found myself isolated, with no outlet to share my own emotions. Seen only as the rescuer and fixer, I had no space to express my fears and vulnerabilities. I cried once, and my wife told me, “Why are you crying? You will enjoy your life. Real men don’t cry.” I am pleased to say she is still with us today.
In 2006, I became a school governor, initially at a primary school and later at a secondary school. This role began as a way to support my children through their education but grew into a moral duty to give back to society. Business had been good to me, allowing me to support my family well during my wife’s illness. As the secondary school became a lead academy, I took on the role of mentor to young male adults, many of whom lacked positive male role models at home and were vulnerable to gang recruitment.
In 2020, my marriage ended, revealing to me the lack of support and understanding available for men. Despite my loyalty and support for my family, I was socially isolated and judged for leaving my marriage. This experience underscored the societal perception that “men don’t cry” and don’t need support or suffer abuse. I have had to find strength and resilience and fought bouts of depression but am now much stronger through the introspection needed to become a therapist.
“It’s ok for men to cry or need help.”
Today, through my roles and as a walk leader, I strive to create spaces where men can find the comfort and understanding they deserve, challenging societal norms that dictate men must always be strong and stoic. Join us on our walks, and together, let’s redefine what it means to be a man
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