One woman will not be spending Christmas at home for a touching reason.
Kate Artingstoll, from Upholland near Ormskirk, will be away for Christmas as she will be joining over 430 other people to hike across the Peak District while others are getting cosy opening presents and tucking into their Christmas dinner. Kate, who is in her 40s, is a nurse, but has now moved jobs - meaning this year was the first in years when she would have time off over the Christmas period.
Kate and the hundreds other of walkers will be donning their boots to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and to promote the work of the charity Mind. Kate told the ECHO: "I'm not the greatest fan of Christmas anyway, and plus I worked as a nurse so I'm usually working nights over Christmas and New Year.
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"I've recently changed jobs a couple of months ago, so I've actually got the luxury of two weeks off this Christmas."
Yet, Kate decided that she'd rather spend that time in the hills after she saw the walk, lead by Damon Alexander-Cole who found solace in being outside after reaching "the lowest point" in his life years ago, posted on Facebook.
"I'm big into hiking, and I'm in a few walking groups on Facebook, I can't remember where I saw it first but I saw a post about Damon's walk on Christmas Day and his fundraising page. I also had a little read of his bio and it really resonated with me.
"Mental health is something that I’m quite passionate about. It’s a cause that’s close to my heart really.
"I’ve struggled with anxiety myself, but also working myself as a nurse I’ve seen the other end of it. I’ve seen how underfunded mental health services are and how stretched they are.
"I think there’s still quite a misconception about mental health, it’s not just schizophrenia and bipolar. It includes stress, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, postnatal depression.
"Mental health charities often support people while they’re on long mental health waiting lists, which can be as long as six to 12 months. So I think it’s really important to support our mental health services, to support the work they do and to try and raise some money for them as well.
"I think what Damon is doing is brilliant, he’s providing a safe and supporting base to do something positive and for like-minded people to get together, in the fresh air, in nature which is for me one of the best forms of therapy.
"I’m first going up on Christmas Eve and staying over and coming back on B oxing Day. So just to get away for a couple of days and to get away from the madness and the stress that usually surrounds Christmas
" I can’t wait. I’m actually excited about Christmas for once."
Those interested can find out more, and donate if they should wish to, at Damon's fundraiser here.
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