The Story Behind This

In August 2020, I lost one of my favourite humans. For over 20 years, Aryan was that friend who remembered EVERYTHING, not just the big life moments, but all the little ones in between. He was the only person who knew my favourite flowers were birds of paradise, sending them for every milestone from my first 'proper' job to passing my driving test and buying a house with my partner (note, the first partner he actually approved of! 😂).

Aryan’s laugh was instantly recognisable, his bear hugs were legendary, and the way he described his latest restaurant adventure or snack he’d tried made you feel like you were right there with him. Aryan loved his people with such fierce loyalty - I just wish he could have loved himself with that same intensity.

Addiction and mental health problems are cruel thieves. They strip away everything that makes someone who they are, piece by piece. We lost Aryan before his 35th birthday, and as I approach 40, his absence is felt every single day. His family and friends still hold onto the sound of his laugh, a sound I really hope I never forget.

The Challenge

Here’s where Aryan would be absolutely losing it…

On 14th May 2025, I’m taking on the Lone Survivor challenge - a 50km solo trek with nothing but a map and compass. No phone. No money. Just me, trying to navigate to an unknown destination that I won’t even know until they take off my blindfold and hand me the map. You'll be able to follow my challenge on a live tracker that the team will share on the day.

Oh, and did I mention I have a heart condition and a dodgy knee? 🙈

I can literally hear Aryan’s 'NO WAY!' echoing in my head. He’d be equal parts horrified and amused at the thought of me his directionally challenged friend with a dodgy heart attempting this adventure. He’d definitely think I was winding him up with a practical joke, something he was known for.

The Impact

I’m raising money to support three causes that are doing amazing work to support men and their mental health.

1. The Never Throw in the Towel project - an incredible initiative running retreats across Northeast England. They combine fitness, talking therapy, cold water dips and create spaces for real connection and conversation. They’re doing the vital work of helping men find their voice. It's completely free to participants and relies on funding and donations.

2. The Woodland Warrior Programme - There is a wealth of evidence suggesting that woodland activities have huge benefits to physical health and mental well-being. This programme provides participants with the opportunity to: Recuperate , Recalibrate and Re-engage. Set predominately within a woodland environment, activities are centred around bushcraft and the natural world. It's free for all qualifying participants as they are kindly paid for by grants and donations.

3. Andy's Man Club - a free peer to peer support group operating throughout the UK, with groups in Teesside in Middlesbrough, Darlington, Redcar, Stockton and Hartlepool. They meet every Monday at 7 pm and rely on donations to raise awareness that #itsokaytotalk.

Every pound raised will help create more spaces for men to find support, connection, and hope.

How You Can Help

Whether you can donate £5 or £50, every contribution helps create more opportunities for men to get the support they need when they need it.

Think of it as buying a virtual coffee for someone who might be struggling, your support could be the beginning of their turning point.

And if nothing else, donate for the entertainment value of me attempting to navigate 50km with just a compass. Aryan would have definitely sponsored me just for the laugh! 😅He’d find this hilarious and that’s exactly why I’m doing it.

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