IT'S TIME! 24 Hour UK Three Peaks Challenge weekend... READY, STEADY, GO!

 

Just a quick one...

IT'S FINALLY ARRIVED!!! Shame I've been struck down with a cold, but that's life... (Excuses in already...) I'm really looking forward to the weekend and (hopefully) completing the UK 24 Hour Three Peaks Challenge. It's something I've wanted to do for so long and it's finally here! WOOP! (Sorry for whopping...)

I'll be leaving early tomorrow morning to meet up with the rest of the group in Chester ahead of the LONG drive to Scotland. We're meeting at 11:30am and scehduled to arrive at our camp near Ben Nevis for the night at around 8pm, so there's plenty of book reading time (I'm taking The Night Circus with me) ti be had on the coach. We start the challenge at approximately 7:30am on Saturday morning and we hope to finish early Sunday morning in Wales after climbing Snowden. It's going to be a very long 24 hours, that's for sure.

I'm going to rock the crap out of that headtorch...

So I should be back home for mid-late afternoon/early evening time on Sunday. All I'll want then is a big tub of chocolate fudge brownie Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Or as it is commonly known 'God's dessert'. (Yes, I made that up! I'm so funny...)

Thank you all so much once again for your donations/donation promises/best wishes. I'm hoping to smash the £550 mark comfortably, which is just fantastic and makes it all so worthwhile. Not to sound like a broken record, but Mind is such a fantastic charity who do so much for people struggling with mental health difficulties. It's an issue that means a lot to me because of my own personal problems surrounding OCD and depression, so raising awareness is a big deal for me. I look forward to meeting everyone taking part tomorrow.

Last ditch attempt to pull on the heartstrings... They've given rain in Scotland on Saturday. Not. Good.

My fundraising page: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=Milkwasabadchoice&isTeam=true.

Here's my story: http://www.mind.org.uk/blog/8483_walking_the_three_peaks_challenge_for_mind

For anyone who might be interested, I'll try and do as much tweeting as I can (signal/battery dependant), so if you want to track our progress then @WalkingforMind is the account to follow.

The aim:

To have climbed Ben Nevis (1,344m), Scafell Pike (877m) and Snowdon (1,067m) within 24 hours (slightly over due to legal constraints). Each mountain is the biggest in its country and the overall challenge will consist of approximately 25 miles of hiking and 480 miles of travelling between Scotland, England and Wales.

The proposed timeframe for the challenge:

Friday 6th September:

11:30am: Meet at Chester and travel to Scotland for overnight accomodation in the Ben Nevis area.

Saturday 7th September:

7:30am: Begin ascent of Ben Nevis

12:45pm: Return to the minibus and head back down South to England to head to Scafell Pike.

6:45pm: Begin ascent of Scafell Pike. (Night walking! Headtorches at the ready...)

Sunday 8th September:

12am: Return to the minibus and head to Wales to climb Snowdon.

4am: Begin ascent of Snowdon (headtorches required again!)

8:20am: Hope to have finished Snowdon and be having a celebratory breakfast!

Thank you all.

Matt.

PS/ If you read this, thank you for lending me your iPod for the weekend, Loobs. Greatly appreciated, albeit slightly disappointed at the lack of T-Swizz.

Time Flies... T-Minus 26 Days! (UK 24 Hour Three Peaks Challenge Countdown)

This time in four weeks I hope to be sat down in front of the telly box with a huge tub of chocolate fudge brownie flavoured Ben & Jerry's ice cream toasting a job well done rather than a commiserative 'I got knackered after one mountain and had to stop' prize.

Time really does fly. It only seems like yesterday I finished my degree and now with the trek insight, starting my Masters course is only just round the corner.

I have been looking forward to doing the UK 24 Hour Three Peaks Challenge for a long time. I would have liked to have done it earlier in the summer, but with uni it was diffcult to commit the time needed to train/fundraise.


With the money I have recieved and what I have been promised by others, I'm really close to the £550 fundraising mark I need to reach for Mind. If I can get there before I head off to Scotland on September 6th it would just be amazing. Mind's a fantastic charity who do such great work in helping people struggling with mental health problems. It is a cause very close to my own heart for reasons I shared in a Mind blog post back in March. Mental health is something I have had to deal with first hand and something I am still dealing with now. Thankfully I am most certainly on the up, feeling better and a hell of a lot more like myself than I have done for a long, long time. Hopefully, after spending over nine months (of a third spell) so far on anti-depressants, I'll be able to come off them in the not so distant future. 


Unfortunately not everyone is in my situation. I am lucky not just that I am feeling a lot better, but I was able to get treatment; both in regards to medication and CBT for both OCD and depression. Not everyone is so fortunate and that is why charities like Mind are so important in not just raising awareness, but supporting people in dire need of help. Your money, if you are able to donate anything at all, will not go to waste. It really is vital what they (Mind) provide to so many people.

On that note, I'd like to once again congratulate everyone behind the brilliant BBC Three two-part programme Extreme OCD Camp. It was great to see OCD portrayed in the 'right' way, rather than the misguided stereotypes other shows such as Channel 4's Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners reinforced. The six participants Imogen, Jack, Megan, Andrew, Olivia and Josh deserve so much credit for what they did. They deserve all the praise they've been getting! On a personal note, it was fantastic to recieve such positive feedback from some of the guys involved, as well as Pete the camp leader, about the reviews I wrote for Mind about the show. It was rather humbling, but it was extremely easy to write such positive reviews after they put together such a marvelous show.


If anyone's interested in reading my reviews:

Episode One: http://www.mind.org.uk/blog/9328_what_i_thought_of_extreme_ocd_camp
Episode Two: http://www.mind.org.uk/blog/9379_extreme_ocd_camp_episode_two


A few other shout outs:

From tomorrow I will be taking over the Making Mental Heath Positive Twitter account,
so please give them a follow. (Best to put my Twitter addiction to better use...)

(Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakingMentalHealthPositive)

Also I'd best not forget the OCD Action Youth Network saying as I'm a member of the panel (YAP)... So please give us a follow on Twitter as we look to increase awareness of the disorder amongst the younger generations.

So yeah, the next 26 days are now being classified as 'Three Peaks Extreme Training'. It's time to pull the old exercise bike from the shed I reckon.

If anyone would like to donate to my page you can find the link here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=Milkwasabadchoice&isTeam=true.

Any sort of donation would just be extremely appreciated. Thank you all so much to those who have already donated!

Here's the time frame of the walk:


Friday 6th September:

Meet at Chester and travel to Scotland for overnight accomodation in the Ben Nevis area.

Saturday 7th September:

7:30am: Begin ascent of Ben Nevis

12:45pm: Return to the minibus and head back down South to England to head to Scafell Pike.

6:45pm: Begin ascent of Scafell Pike. (Night walking!)

Sunday 8th September:

12am: Return to the minibus and head to Wales to climb Snowdon.

4am: Begin ascent of Snowdon (headtorches required!)

8:20am: Hope to have finished Snowdon and be having a celebratory breakfast!



Cheers everyone.

Matt.

 

The Next Midfield Maestro: Kicking a Ball Around for Mind

SUNDAY JUNE 2ND @ THE AVENUE, WINGERWORTH, S42 6NB

TEAM MIND V TEAM WINGERWORTH JSA

KICK OFF: 3PM

TICKETS: £1 ON THE GATE (INCLUDES ENTRY INTO THE RAFFLE)

IN AID OF MIND (24 UK THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE FUNDRAISING)

Hello all, it's been too long...

Here's me holding the out-of-date poster... Nice one Matt!

I am coming out of retirement for one game only. Yes, yes, don't all get too excited! I have not played a proper 11-a-side game of football for eight years and at that I used to play in net. In no way is this my reasoning for putting on this match. Nope, not at all... I have been managing a youth side for the past three seasons and if you asked any of my lads they'd tell you how utterly rubbish I am out net and there is NO WAY ON THIS EARTH that I'm going in goal for this match. That's why you should all come down and witness the horror of me making a fool out of myself by being out-paced by middle-aged men. Na, I'll show you all. The perfect blend of Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso is how I see myself...

Anyways, the important stuff. Why are we having a charity football match, you ask? Well, my friends, that's a very good question! I am taking part in the 24 Hour UK Three Peaks Challenge for the incredible charity Mind later this year. I am now doing the event in September (6th-8th) rather than June 'cos I have done very little fundraising with being busy with uni and all that. So yes, I am putting this together with my very good friend Adam and some lovely helpers from Wingerworth JSA to try and raise some money towards my total for the hike. Most of my friends know why I'm doing this and to those who have given me a donation and to those who have promised too, as well as the ones who say they'll attend the match, thank you very much. To the guys who have agreed to play in the match I am also very grateful. You're all awesome - thank you! If you want to read my reasonings for doing this then click here.

The main event will be taking place at 3pm and it'll be a Mind x11 versus a Wingerworth JSA x11. But that's not all that'll be happening on the day. Oh no! The girls teams will be coming down at midday for a match and we'll hopefully be running other games/activities throughout the day like a penalty shoot-out. Who doesn't like a penalty shoot-out?

It is £1 to get in on the gate and this will enter you straight into the raffle that will be drawn after the game. We're also hopeful of having a BBQ and getting various kinds of drink down at The Avenue, so let's hope for a sunny day! We'll also be awarding the man of the match, so players put in a good shift!

The game will take place at The Avenue on Sunday June 2nd and everyone is welcome. Bring your friends, sisters, uncles, cousins, neighbours, just anyone, and let's raise a bucket load of money for a great cause.

Come on and get yourself down! Have some food, chill out, watch the footy and see my fantastic white as a ghost legs on full display. Yes ladies, I know, I know - contain yourselves!

If you would like to donate anything prior to the game my sponsor form is: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Milkwasabadchoice

You can also find my fundraising exploits on Facebook and Twitter. Give us an add/follow please!

Cheers folks.

Matt.

PS/ My good friend James Muddiman will be there. Check out his amazing paintings on the day! He's such an awesome artist.

Myself, Mental Health and A Great Big Walk

Happy St Patrick's Day y'all!

Today I am here to talk about three things: The 24 Hour UK Three Peaks Challenge, Depression and OCD.

I was the guest blogger for Mind recently where I talked about my own experiences with Depression and OCD as well as the reasons as to why I am taking part in UK Three Peaks Challenge for Mind this coming June. The feedback I got was lovely; albeit that certainly was not the purpose of the blog.

Talking about such things is never easy, but I guess it is a form of therapy in itself. One little blog can not change the stigma around mental health and nor can it inspire a nation. I just hope people can relate to it; like some of the fantastic blogs and articles I have read on mental health over the last few years.

I have applied to be apart of the 'OCD at School' Youth Advisory Panel of which I am very keen to be apart of. I began to struggle with OCD whilst at 6th Form and it is vitally important that we can help spread the message and raise awareness amongst the younger generations as I have seen first hand the ignorance and naivity there is amongst younger people in regards to mental health. I would urge anyone passionate in this issue to think about applying.


A message from the Peak District...

Rightio; the walk. It's 2 1/2 months away and I have still got loads to do. I need to raise a bucket load of money and I have done very little towards reaching my total. Woops! I blame uni. I am hoping to put together a charity football match towards the end of May/start of June and potentially do something else. A karaoke night perhaps? If anyone has any suggestions then please get in touch. I have had several friends promise donations of which I am very greatful; but I need more! I will leave you all alone for a long while (in regards to fundraising) if you can help me reach my target of £550. I will do a lot of things (nothing rude) in my quest for that target. I will wear stupid things, do silly challenges; whatever. Let me know and get sponsoring. PLEASE!

My sponorship page is: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=Milkwasabadchoice&isTeam=true

My Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MattdoestheUKThreePeaksChallenge

My Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattWatson91

Well that is my begging done for the day. But seriously, it is going to an amazing cause. That is not me just saying it for the sake of it. Mind really does do a fanastic job in supporting people suffering with mental health problems; whether that be through helping find people treatment, offering information or simply being there to listen to someone in need. 50p, £1, £10; whatever you can afford. Please.

I will leave you with a video that you should all watch. It is made by the lovely Claire Wilkinson who is a local filmmaker and is currently putting together the already award-winning documentary 'Living With Me And My OCD' of which she has been working long and hard on for a while now and it is looking great (even if I am in it!) Claire suffers with OCD herself and is very keen on defeating the stigma surrounding the disorder. I have had the pleasure of meeting her on more than one occasion and after listening to her ideas I can guarantee that this documetary will be fantastic. You can follow Living With Me And My OCD on Twitter and Facebook, as well as visitng its own website.

Living With Me And My OCD trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thviahdlNp0

Thanks all again for reading. If anyone wants to read my blog for Mind you can find it below.

 My blog:

http://www.mind.org.uk/blog/8483_walking_the_three_peaks_challenge_for_mind

'I do like to walk. I have taken part in a couple of hikes for charity now and it is a great way to stay fit and raise money, this year for a cause that is very close to my own heart, Mind.

I cannot wait to get going. The Three Peaks is a challenge that I have wanted to do for a while and I cannot wait to see the lovely views of Snowdon, the rain around Ben Nevis and the darkness of Scafell Pike (head-torch required!) Not many know the reason why I am doing the challenge for Mind, as it is a personal one, but I finally want to open about it.

The previous two years have been an interesting one. Diagnosed with OCD at 19, after suffering with the disorder since 16, it all became too much. After finally opening up to my family and doctor, I received CBT and then later medication.

My OCD, at its peak was quite varied and I found it completely overwhelming. Repetition (words and actions), checking (taps, doors and appliances) and hygiene (washing and cleaning) were the three main types of compulsions I suffered from. My confidence and self-esteem were zapped. Having OCD I feel tired, frustrated and ultimately like a freak, when I shouldn't have. It took a while for the techniques from CBT to take effect as I was essentially re-training my brain, whilst the medication took the edge off of my anxiety.

Skip forwards two years and I have managed to cut the majority of my compulsions out. I still have my moments, but they are less frequent and anxiety-driven. However, last year something else happened; something that had been coming for a while. I was diagnosed with depression.

My doctor told me it is common that people with anxiety-disorders also suffer with depression. I began to feel very low and the feeling would not shift. It had been building its way up since the end of my second year at university. I was anxious, frustrated and riddled with negative thoughts and my opinion of myself was lower than ever, in regards to both appearance and character. It is, people tell me, a distorted view, one which has built over a long period of time and is hard to shift.
Going back to university in September did not help. The pressure pushed me over the edge - I felt destined to fail. After talking with university about my options, they were very good with me and offered support. Once again, as I still am now, I was put on medication and referred for CBT.

Being open about my illness has been something I have found difficult in the past, although when I did I found it really helped. I have always thought it was my own battle and that I had to deal with it by myself, but that is not true. CBT and medication continues, but slowly but surely, I am making forward strides. I still have bad spells and days when I feel like it is me against the world, but they are getting less frequent. Hopefully it will not be long until I feel myself again. It has been a long time coming.

Depression and anxiety can hit anyone, whatever their situation, and it can make you feel like your world has been turned upside down. Talking about it can be hard and can take time; I know that from personal experience. I have vowed to myself to be more open and this is a good starting point.

I am determined to raise as much money as possible for Mind through the Three Peaks Challenge and help raise awareness in any way I can. I have sought help and am hopefully on the road to recovery, but others are not so lucky and have no one to turn to.

Mind offers great support and information for sufferers and their families to access in times of need. It is a fantastic charity who need all the support they can get, so if you could give anything to help then please visit my Facebook page and sponsorship form.Thank you.
Matt'