Liverpool man hikes Europe's highest peaks for Alder Hey Children's Hospital Mental Health Unit

Chris Jervis, a 33-year-old from Liverpool, discovered the healing power of hiking in 2021 as a means to address the challenges of depression and anxiety he had suffered with for years.

Chris is planning to raise £500 for every summit he reaches – which will go to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital’s Mental Health Unit.

Following consultations with medical experts, during his time battling depression and anxiety, Chris decided to heed their advice and explore the outdoors, which ultimately led him to embark on a hiking journey.

Through this experience, he found solace in the natural environment, fostering a reconnection with his inner self and providing a constructive outlet for his emotions. This transformative encounter with hiking ushered in a new perspective and profoundly impacted Chris’s life.

Chris Jervis said:

“I started meeting lots of like-minded people while hiking who had went through similar issues.. People don’t understand the true benefits of being in the great outdoors. As a community, we need to come together and promote the benefits a lot more, especially for the younger generations.

“The first mountain I done was Scafell Pike England’s highest peak at 3210 feet, 978 meters. It was a real struggle at first. The steps from Wasdale head were a killer but I loved every minute of it and was made up when I finally reached the summit. It was at that moment I fell in love with the mountains.”

Chris grew up around drug and alcohol addiction, and witnessed lives being destroyed and family members falling apart. It was his own experiences as a child that has made him extremely passionate about the cause he is raising money for.

He said:

“I have seen first-hand that there is now more help for children, but with more funding and support this help can be easier accessed and children will get the help they need, sooner rather than later.”

He added:

“Over the last 18 months I have been organising group hikes for individuals and families, this has helped people come out their comfort zone reconnect with nature and meet new people to form a friendly community.

“I have helped people overcome different types of fears including; social anxiety, loss of identity, and fear of abandonment, by creating a community that helps each other and encourages and supports one another. I am now trying to chase my dream to summit the highest mountain in each European country.”

Chris aims be the first person from Liverpool to complete this challenge and summit each peak for the mental health unit at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

Chris said:

“For me to achieve this dream I will have to secure the support through sponsorship or donations. I’m looking forward to sharing my journey with everyone. I will be posting my progress regularly on social media with photos, videos, and live updates.”

So far Chris has completed:

England – Scafell Pike 978m – 3210ft

Wales – Snowdon 1085m – 3560ft

Scotland – Ben Nevis 1345m – 4406ft

Poland – Mount Rysy 2500m – 8202ft

Morocco – Mount Toubkal 4167m – 13,671ft

Next on his list:

Greece – Mount Olympus 2917m – 9570ft (July 2023)

Slovenia – Mount Triglav 2863m – 9396ft (Sept 2023)