Raising money for Mind with a motorhome tour

A man who suffered severe bouts of depression and anxiety disorder has set himself the challenge of visiting every UK county – that’s 92 of them – over the next 12 months in order to raise £20,000 for mental health charity Mind. John Bloodworth, also known as the ‘Gentleman Crafter’, is being sponsored by Peterborough-based Create and Craft TV as he lives and travels in a 2.3-litre Fiat Ducato-based, 2011 Rimor Trimarano Sound motorhome. John will be visiting craft groups, organising workshops and sharing his crafting knowledge, all while promoting Mind.

John commented, “This is my first time using a motorhome and I have joined the Caravan Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club. A year ago I hit rock-bottom and suffered an extended period where my mental health difficulties began emerging as physical symptoms such as shaking, sweating and being short of breath. This was terrifying as I had never experienced this before.  Fortunately, I discovered the Mind website and was able to identify why this might be happening and different ways in which I could tackle these issues. I went to my doctor and was initially prescribed medication which would have the benefit of reducing my overall distress and thereby provide the space in which to seek further support from local talking therapy services. My recovery was then monitored by my GP who recommended adjustments as time progressed. I am not sure that I would have done this without having first found Mind as I was too embarrassed to discuss it with anyone.”

Over a period of time, John reached a point where he could look back and understand what had happened to him and now he wants to reach out and help others. To find out about John’s craft workshops or where John is stopping on his epic journey visit www.createandcraft.tv/allcountieschallenge. You can sign up to workshops, make a donation to Mind or read more about John. To find out more about Mind, visit www.mind.org.uk.

Find your perfect motorhome with our Motorhome For Sale Finder.

Check out our online Store for back issues, subscriptions and readers' offers.