Photographer and hiker Damon Alexander-Cole is leading a group of 430+ hikers across six different locations in the Peak District on Christmas Day to support those who may be lonely, suffering or just want to get out and explore during one of the toughest days of the year.
Christmas 2022 will be Damon’s third Christmas Day hike, in addition to his monthly walks that he runs throughout the year, which receive between 70 and 100 attendees.
The hike taking place on the 25th of December 2022 is in support of the mental health charity, Mind. Leading outdoor retailer, GO Outdoors, will be providing the hikers with its limited-edition range of hats to keep warm. The hats were made in partnership with Mind for the #HatsOnForMind campaign which encourages the British public to step outdoors to better their mental health during the winter months.
Prior to the national lockdown in March 2020, Damon experienced a series of unfortunate events including losing his home, a relationship, his job, and loved ones becoming ill, which created a detrimental impact on his mental health.
To help improve this, the [now] 36-year-old took up hiking in the Peak District in the daytime while he was living in his car and using local restaurant wi-fi to apply for work-from-home jobs in the evenings.
After filming his hikes, Damon found a passion for photography and videography and is now an established photographer with his own enterprise and is no longer homeless.
A recent survey conducted by outdoor retailer GO Outdoors in collaboration with Mind, discovered 61% of Brits claim that spending time outside is where they feel their most content and unburdened1.
Damon Alexander-Cole said: “Speaking from personal experience, the benefits of being outside and active in the fresh air has priceless benefits to your mental health.
“In 2020 and some parts of 2021, I was at the lowest point I have ever been in my life, so I started up my monthly and Christmas Day hikes to show those feeling alone that there is support around and life does get better. I fell in love with the outdoors during a really difficult time and hiking literally saved my life.
“The support I have received for this year’s Christmas Day hike has been incredible, and I am so grateful that I can help raise awareness and funds for the mental health charity, Mind that supports those struggling like I was – bring on Christmas 2022!”
Charlotte Porter, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Mind, said: “We are incredibly moved by Damon’s story and we’re grateful that he’s raising awareness for Mind. We can’t wait to see the hikers wearing the limited-edition hats as part of our partnership with GO Outdoors.
“The partnership encourages everyone to experience the great outdoors and reap the benefits nature has to offer. We are in a difficult time, with many of us feeling the lasting impact from the pandemic, and now the cost-of-living crisis on our mental health. The support we’re receiving from GO Outdoors will help us to keep our vital services running, including Mind’s Infoline, legal line, and our online peer support community Side by Side, so that we can be there for the people who need us most.”
Lee Bagnall, CEO at GO Outdoors, said: “Damon embodies everything we are working to support when it comes to getting active and outdoors.
“We are in awe of his story and are privileged to be able to support his endeavours alongside all the great work that Mind consistently do.”
