An Information Coordinator from Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) is taking on a gruelling 2,570 kilometre challenge to raise money for a charity close to his heart.
Joshua Paulin has already climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and will now cycle 2,500km, the distance from London to Marrakesh, to raise money for mental health charity, Mind.
This Men’s Health Week, Joshua, 21, from Colchester, explains why he’s taking on the physical challenge to raise awareness of mental health and the importance of letting ‘someone walk alongside you, even on life’s steepest climbs’
He said: “Mental health is something we all face daily, yet it often gets pushed aside which I think contributes to a stigma surrounding open conversations about it.
“Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but also one of the most rewarding. There were moments when my legs were aching, the altitude was hitting hard, and my body felt like giving up. But through every difficult step, the power of perseverance kept me going.
“What surprised me most was how much of the challenge was mental. Physically preparing was important, but keeping my mind in check became just as essential.”
Joshua found that opening up about his struggles was key to overcoming the challenges he faced on the 6-day 70km climb.
He said: “Each evening, I’d take time to stretch and recover physically, but I also made space to reflect, almost like keeping a mental diary. I’d talk to my partner, who I was climbing with, about the struggles I faced that day, the highs and the lows, and what I was learning about myself in the process.
“That communication became one of the most valuable parts of the journey. Climbing with someone reminded me how powerful it is to open up, to talk honestly about how you’re feeling, and to lean on the people around you. It’s something that’s often missing in conversations about men’s mental health, and something I now deeply believe in.
“That’s why Men’s Health Week is so important, and why I started Miles for Mind. This isn’t just about physical endurance. It’s about mental resilience, emotional honesty, and breaking the stigma around talking about how we really feel.
“Kilimanjaro taught me that strength isn’t just about pushing through alone. Sometimes, real strength is knowing when to speak up, share the weight, and let someone walk alongside you, even on life’s steepest climbs.”
Over the next few weeks Joshua will take on part two of his challenge, cycling 2,500km from London to Marrakesh.
Joshua’s cycle from London to Marrakesh is more than a physical feat. Starting in London, he will ride through France, over the Pyrenees, along Spain’s eastern coast, and into Morocco, where he will tackle the Atlas Mountains.
Each stage brings its own challenge, reflecting the ups and downs of mental health. From steep climbs to open roads, his journey is a reminder that resilience, support, and openness matter both on the bike and in life.
Joshua is hoping raise £500 for Mind. If you would like to support Joshua, please visit his Just Giving page: Joshi Paulin is fundraising for Mind