Andy Cole, 41

“I started dragging friends into the hills and noticed an instant relief.”

Four years ago, I sat on the steps to the Irish Sea ready to end my life. I suffered severely with depression, became anti-social and shut myself away.

I eventually spoke to a doctor who was an outdoors enthusiast and I’m truly grateful for her encouragement to go outdoors instead of being sat on medication for the rest of my life.

I started dragging friends into the hills and noticed an instant relief. I felt alive, I could breathe, it was easier to deal with the issues I was going through. I counselled myself in the hills. I spent time alone and with friends talking about my issues, and my problems became easier to deal with because I was in such a beautiful environment.

It put my life into perspective. We’re minuscule compared to everything else. Every day is getting better: my confidence is boosted and my mental health is 120% better. I don’t think I’m out of the woods but it’s a lot easier to deal with. Every day is different.

The skies might be full of rain, they might be full of cloud, but it gives a different story every day. And I’m part of that story.