Leamington hair stylist who has struggled with mental health issues climbs UK's highest mountain for charity

Brotherhood salon manager James Alfie Parr, who has suffered from depression, anxiety and various substance abuse challenges in the past, decided to raise money for the M.I.N.D mental health charity to support others by climbing Ben Nevis.

James wanted to encourage young men suffering from depression and anxiety by speaking out and raising awareness that it is ok for men ‘to talk’ about how they are feeling, especially during these unprecedented times.

He said: “It couldn’t be more important to talk about how you feel during lockdown, especially if you are on your own.”

James and his friend took to Scotland’s iconic mountain Ben Nevis and faced challenging weather.

The day they chose to climb Ben Nevis Storm Aiden, with gale-force winds, snow, rain and hail stones, was in full force.

They were faced with a tough climb but they managed to get through it and stayed positive.

James said: “you just have to keep on moving forward the same way you do in life, no matter what is thrown at you - just keep moving forward.” James’ target was to raise £200 for the mental health charity and so far has raised £585 and was one of the top fundraisers on Just Giving last month.

James quickly realised that during the first lockdown he had to remain positive and turned to MIND for support.

He said: "The first lockdown did was to strip back everything I thought I needed and made me realise what I actually need.

"I’m in a fortunate position where I do a job I love and I’m healthy and have a lot of things others in the world don’t and it’s easy to forget that at times.

"I also embraced sobriety and clean living during the first lockdown, which was the best decision I’ve ever made.

"My relationships with my family and close friends are stronger and I’ve never been more career focused on the road ahead.”

With the second lockdown already taking place, James’ focus is on planning for 2021 setting small goals for throughout the year and planning more hikes and climbs to raise more awareness for mental health and addiction charities.

James posted his experience on his @jamesalfieparrhair Instgram account:

He said: “For anyone that thought there was never a way out, that has suffered in silence with their demons, that has numbed the pain of the past with substances, that thought they couldn’t get through the day, that has lost it all, this climb today was for you.

"Ben Nevis you were truly a force to be reckoned with along with the mother of all storms that was taking place when we were doing our climb, it summed up everything I’ve learnt during my sobriety, you can’t pick the hand you are dealt but you can use it to the best of your ability and try and make it work to your advantage, life is for living, do whatever is it’s that makes you happy.

"To everyone that donated to my JustGiving page raising money for @mindcharity thank you so much."