WILD CAMPER & PODCASTER JOSH TYLDSLEY GOES COAST TO COAST FOR MANCHESTER MIND MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY

At the end of February, Josh Tyldsley, host of the Open Spot Podcast, will be undertaking a coast to coast challenge walking from St. Bees coast in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire.

He will be walking for 14 days consecutively, wild camping on 13 nights to raise much needed cash for mental health charity Manchester Mind.

You can donate via GoFundMe : Link

Josh said:

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"Since I was at school, I’ve always loved being outdoors and adventure sports. I remember going rock climbing and walking on school trips and falling in love with it. A few years ago I decided to invest more of my time and money into it, and I started buying camping and hiking equipment.

"Around this time I also started my YouTube and Instagram Podcast accounts called ‘Open Spot Camping’ to promote and share my love for the outdoors, and encourage more people to get involved. I normally wild camp once a week and try to walk every day.

"This however will be the biggest challenge I’ve faced yet, as I’ve never done a long distance hike like this before, especially not alone. I’m so excited for this challenge, but I know it might be one of the hardest things I’ve ever done."

 

When asked of his motivations for Fundraising for Manchester Mind, Josh said:

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"Throughout my life, I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety, and I really want to help others who have been in similar situation. I know from first-hand experience what it can be like for people who are struggling with their mental health, and I wanted to raise money for a charity that directly helps people like me in my home city of Manchester.

"Getting into hiking and spending a lot of time in the outdoors has really benefitted my mental health, and I’ve spent the last 6 months training for this challenge to try and help others who might be struggling.

"I’m hoping that my challenge will raise awareness for mental health and inspire others to get outdoors, as I believe that being in nature and getting outdoors can be so beneficial to everyone’s mental health.

"I also just want to give to other people, as I think that Manchester Mind is such a great charity and the work they do in Manchester really helps to support and improve the lives of those who, like me, have struggled with mental health."

 

Josh continued to speak about his  experiences whilst fundraising for Manchester Mind:

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"I’ve learnt a few things throughout my experience fundraising for Manchester Mind. The first thing that I’ve learnt is the importance of speaking out about mental health. It’s so important to talk to other people and feel heard when you do speak about mental health, and this really ties in with the work that Manchester Mind do. I’ve also learnt about setting achievable goals for yourself, and the rewarding feeling when you can complete those goals.

"It’s important in hiking to only attempt things that are safe, and not making it about ego. At the same time, it’s about pushing yourself within your capabilities and I’ve really learnt how rewarding it can feel when you complete a target that you’ve set. Hopefully I can reach my donation target before and during the hike! Finally, I’ve learnt about the importance of thinking of others and helping others, and this is why I’ve chosen to raise money for a charity that promotes this in their everyday work."

 

Josh concluded by saying thanks to Manchester Mind and those who are supporting him during his journey:

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"I want to say thank you to Manchester Mind for supporting me throughout my Fundraising Journey, and for the great work they do throughout the city. I love reading about other people’s experiences and stories on their Facebook and Instagram, so it feels great to be able to tell my own. I also want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me in the build-up to my challenge, whether that’s through donations or emotionally.

"I really appreciate it and it’s encouraging me to keep on with my training and promoting my message across my platforms. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without such strong support!"

 

Find him on Instagram: openspotcamping

or Facebook: https://www.youtube.com/@openspotcamping

https://www.manchestermind.org/

You can donate via GoFundMe : Link