A TEENAGER who suffers from chronic anxiety has tackled the three highest peaks in the UK to raise money and awareness for the local charity which has supported him.
Lewis Pye suffered a nervous breakdown some years ago and since then has struggled with his mental health, and was admitted to a psychiatric unit last year.
But throughout his struggles the 17-year-old from Leamington has found solace through Warwickshire-based Young People First – formerly Warwickshire Association of Youth Clubs.
The charity runs a group called Sharp Minds, which helps children who have become isolated and are suffering from mental health issues.
Lewis – who now studies animal care at college – said: “I was so ill I was unable to go to school for a year or even leave the house. I couldn’t even look at a school book.
“Because it was unsafe to leave me on my own, Mum had to give up work to be with me.
“Sharp Minds has helped me to integrate with people again and realise I am not alone. Being part of this group even gave me the confidence to start back to school.
“Unfortunately I had a relapse and I was admitted to a children’s psychiatric unit for a couple of months. During this time, doctors allowed me to continue to go to Sharp Minds as going helps me. The mentors are there whenever I need them.
“Things can still be tough for me, but I have come a long way from being admitted last year and have started to be able to think about my education and the future again.”
Lewis – who hopes to become a zoologist – climbed the three peaks to thank the charity which has supported him.
The hike was part of a campaign called Make Some Noise, a charity created to raise awareness and funds for local small charities and is spearheaded by national radio presenters.
The challenge saw £40,000 donated which will brings the total raised through the fund-raising campaign to more than £4million. The money will be divided between 32 charities.
A spokesman from Make Some Noise said: “The team represented just a few of the incredible small charities we are supporting in 2018. It was an incredibly emotive yet uplifting journey.”
