Jonny once lived a carefree life, embracing the freedom of youth—nights out, laughter with friends, and a future full of possibilities. But at just 20 years old, his world changed forever when his father was diagnosed with a terminal illness.
His father, an alcoholic, had developed COPD, and Jonny stepped up to care for him. The shift was stark: from a young man enjoying life to a full-time carer, all while working a demanding 44-hour week. The weight of responsibility felt suffocating.
Jonny struggled. He believed he wasn’t doing enough, wasn’t being enough. Self-care slipped through the cracks as he poured everything into looking after his father. The pressure mounted, and he withdrew from those around him, isolating himself in a whirlwind of frustration and exhaustion. He describes himself during that time as “nasty and snappy,” pushing people away when he needed them most.
Then, his father’s health deteriorated further. He was moved to a care home, alternating between there and the hospital. Though Jonny was no longer his full-time carer, guilt weighed heavily on him. When his father passed away, that guilt became overwhelming.
Grief took hold, and Jonny turned to alcohol and drugs to cope. His life spiraled further downward, and his fiancée, unable to watch him self-destruct, ended their relationship. Lost in pain and hopelessness, Jonny contemplated ending his life.
But in that darkest moment, a flicker of hope emerged. He made a decision—not to die, but to try and save himself.
Jonny sought support from Alcoholics Anonymous and, within a month, resolved to change his mindset. He needed to reclaim his life. He started hiking, immersing himself in the hills and mountains, finding solace in nature. With each step, he discovered a sense of freedom, replacing self-destruction with self-discovery. The more he embraced this new path, the more he realised that there was a way forward without drink, without drugs—without despair.
Then, the unthinkable happened.
Jonny’s brother, successful and seemingly thriving, took his own life. It came out of nowhere. Even with their close bond, Jonny hadn’t seen it coming. Looking back, he recognised that his brother had struggled in silence, never reaching out for help. The loss shook Jonny to his core. His family still struggles to understand it.
But instead of allowing himself to spiral again, Jonny made a choice: he would fight back against something that couldn’t be fought physically. He would take action, not just for himself but for others.
Determined to make a difference, he signed up for a skydive to raise money for Men’s Minds Matter, a cause close to his heart. His efforts raised over £1,200—funds that will help men and boys in crisis and, ultimately, save lives.
Jonny continues his journey with a newfound purpose, taking on mountains both literal and figurative. This year, he’s tackled Striding Edge and Ben Nevis, with plans to summit Snowdon (via the formidable Crib Goch) and Tryfan. He also has his sights set on Kilimanjaro in 2025.
When asked what he would say to men and boys struggling with suicidal thoughts, Jonny’s message is clear:
“Talk to someone about what you’re going through—don’t bottle it up. There’s light at the end of every dark tunnel; sometimes we just need that guide to find it.”
Jonny’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is hope. There is help. And there is a way forward.
