ABOUT JOHN
8 years ago, John had to give up his own business as an aerial and satellite installer, which was due to severe pain in his neck, shoulders, back, losing his grip strength, having pains and pins and needles so severe he couldn’t bear to put is feet on the floor.
John’s physical pain wasn’t the only issue as his mental state grew worse; the stress of owning his own business along with the pain, life became overwhelming.
“If it wasn’t for walking, I probably would have had a mental breakdown”.
John visited his GP and was sent for scans, physiotherapy and was prescribed 3 kinds of anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications.
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“On many days, my legs did not feel like my own and I was unable to concentrate and focus.”
John had always had an interest in the great outdoors and this began back in school after trips that included outdoor activities. After John’s career change he became concerned about the amount of medication he was taking to mask the pains, he questioned whether taking medication was doing more damage than helping;
John decided to wean himself off the medication with yoga, stretching and walking to manage his pain while also changing the way he thought and his mind-set to focus his attention away from the pain. Being in the countryside and hills helped John refocus his attention and build up strength physically and emotionally by reconnecting with nature and putting things into perspective.
With John’s love for walking and the way it makes him feel, he walks every week. Whether it is leisurely for the views, camping out overnight in his tent or aiming for big walks to conquer the hill; whether that may be Cheviots, Ben Nevis or his biggest challenge to come, 14 days and 38 miles to Everest Base Camp in 2019.
Throughout the 8 years from when John started walking, he has managed his pains and is now helping other people; John has now completed courses in Basic Expedition Leader Award, Water Search and Rescue, Outdoor First Aid and Mountain Leader Award and has started his own CIC (Community Interest Company) ‘Mindful Walks’ to take other people on walking; whether that be for people with an interest, youth or people with physical and emotional pains like John.
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You can find John's website at www.mindfulwalksne.org/