In a testament to personal resilience and dedication to mental health advocacy, a 59-year-old Kent man who overcame alcoholism and a life time of anxiety is set to walk and wild camp the entire 268 miles of the Pennine Way over 30 days this September 2024, aligning his journey with Suicide Prevention Month.
Key Highlights:
● Campaign Purpose: Simon aims to highlight the benefits of spending time in nature for positive mental health choices during Suicide Awareness Month.
● Personal History: With 35 years as a functioning alcoholic dealing with unrecognised chronic anxiety, Simon campaigns for better mental health information to help others make informed decisions.
● The Journey: Simon will be walking and wild camping for 30 days, covering 268 miles. He will be joined by his four sons for a portion of the walk.
● Fundraising Target: Simon aims to raise£30,000 in partnership with Slow the Mind CIC and the Baton of Hope.
● World Suicide Prevention Day: Tuesday, September 10th: Simon hopes to connect with various organisations, including the Kent Chamber of Commerce, to discuss the significance of the day and the walk.
Simon is embarking on this journey to underscore the positive impact of spending time in the countryside on mental health. Reflecting on his 35 years as a functioning alcoholic dealing with unrecognised chronic anxiety, Simon is passionate about raising awareness and providing better information for mental health decisions.
The walk, covering 268 miles, will involve wild camping with minimal gear: a sleeping bag, tent, and rucksack, for 30 days. Simon believes that removing oneself from the pressures of modern life, even briefly, can enhance one's ability to cope with those pressures upon returning to civilisation. While he will undertake most of the walk alone, his four sons will join him for part of the journey.
The one luxury Simon will allow himself is wearing his signature frock coat (see image), a staple of his walks and a symbol of his personal journey.
Simon's goal is to raise£30,000, in order to support Slow the Mind CIC and the Baton of Hope. Slow the Mind CIC provides mobile safe spaces for community support through conversation or signposting, while the Baton of Hope is the UK's leading suicide prevention charity. The Baton will be present on the first and last days of Simon's walk.
A special focus will be placed on Tuesday, September 10th, Suicide Awareness Day. Simon plans to collaborate with various organisations, including the Kent Chamber of Commerce, to emphasise the importance of this day and his walk.
Photo call on Day 1: Saturday August 31st. Please contact for location and timings.
Simon Pollard Bio:
Using his extensive knowledge of the countryside, skills as a teacher and experience of mental health issues such as ADHD, anxiety, depression that he witnessed in schools and in children's care homes, Simon createsGuided Walksto help people re-learn how to engage with, and utilise, nature in order to improve their lives.
For more information or to support Simon's journey, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-pollard-586027120/.
Contact Information:Simon Pollard
Email: simon@simonpollard.uk
Phone: 07970414784
Website: https://simonpollard.uk/
PR Agent:
Amanda FitzGerald PR
Tel: 07711 419595
About Slow the Mind CIC:Slow the Mind CIC provides mobile safe spaces for community support through conversation or signposting.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558040627589
About the Baton of Hope:The Baton of Hope is the UK's leading suicide prevention charity, dedicated to raising awareness and providing support to those in need.
