EXCLUSIVE: Package Birks needs individuals fighting their psychological well being to know that ‘life will get lovely once more’.
Package has overcome years of psychological sickness and habit to seek out restoration (Picture: Package Birks)
A British adventurer is coming into the ultimate week of an nearly year-long trek from the Arctic Circle to the Mediterranean in support of suicide prevention. Former NHS nurse Package Birks, 30, has lined almost 5,000 miles — equal to strolling from Land’s Finish to John o’Groats round 5 occasions, with a complete elevation acquire akin to climbing Mount Everest nearly 13 occasions.
Her “Stride Past Silence” problem is ready to see her turn out to be the primary individual to journey on foot from Europe’s northernmost level within the distant wilderness of Nordkapp, Norway, to the southernmost level on the Greek island of Gavdos. Package spent years fighting psychological sickness and habit. She informed the Specific: “I wish to present people who find themselves in that darkish area that there’s somebody on the market who’s on the opposite aspect of it, and it does get higher. I at all times say I am not particular or totally different, I am simply somebody who managed to seek out my method again to the sunshine. If I can do it, then I hope different individuals can too.”
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Package, from Andover, Hampshire, started experiencing anxiousness, despair and insomnia on the age of 11, adopted by consuming problems.
Teenage partying then “spiralled fairly rapidly uncontrolled” into harmful use of alcohol and medicines. Package mentioned: “I made myself homeless and put my household by plenty of ache and struggling. I in the end ended up shedding every part and tried to take my life twice.”
In June 2022, a good friend launched her to assist for drug habit. Whereas in restoration, she began writing poetry and sharing her story on-line. She obtained diagnoses of ADHD and bipolar dysfunction, and certified as a nurse.
Package added: “I realised that it is a actually good factor to discuss this stuff overtly and actually, as a result of I did not have that rising up. It appeared like a very good alternative to make a little bit of noise a couple of subject that’s nonetheless fairly silent.”
She admits that the mammoth trek — began 336 days in the past on July 7 — has been harder than anticipated. Low factors embrace the tough winter months when she spent as much as 10 days off-grid, carrying 23kg on her again with out outlets, operating water or telephone sign.
Package mentioned: “There have been six days the place I did not see a single individual. That was actually testing but in addition actually lovely.” Different challenges included security dangers when a person tried to lure her right into a automobile in Sweden and when she was adopted by a variety of males in Hungary.
Nonetheless, the journey has been overwhelmingly constructive. She added: “It’s a must to discover ways to adapt, stroll by that concern and stick with it. I’ve had two unhealthy experiences amongst tons of of fantastic individuals taking me into their properties, giving me a bathe, cooking me meals.
“An actual spotlight has been the kindness of strangers and listening to tales from individuals throughout Europe about psychological well being.”
Package made it by the robust winter months and is nearing the top of her problem (Picture: Package Birks)
Package carries a memorial flag bearing the names of individuals misplaced to suicide. She has documented the journey on social media, attracting a military of supporters together with the Prince of Wales and Sir Stephen Fry.
Prince William commented on one in all her Instagram posts: “Preserve going, Package, a tremendous effort for an unimaginable trigger. We’re with you each step of the best way! W”
Package celebrated 4 years clear and sober on Tuesday. She is now strolling a marathon each day to achieve the end line subsequent Sunday. She added: “I simply need individuals to know that, as arduous, darkish, gruelling and horrible because it will get, when it seems like nothing can get higher once more, it at all times does.
“We’re by no means in a state of permanence. If you could find it in your self to simply stick with it one small step at a time, one small breath at a time, you will shock your self.
“Taking your life additionally takes away each good factor that is ready for you, and there’s a lot good left on the market, so please preserve going. It will get lovely once more.”
Package has raised greater than £60,000 for 2 psychological well being charities: the Marketing campaign Towards Residing Miserably and James’ Place, which supplies life-saving therapy for males experiencing psychological well being crises. You’ll be able to donate to assist her attain her £100,000 purpose right here.
- When life is troublesome, Samaritans are right here — day or night time, twelve months a yr. You’ll be able to name them totally free on 116 123, e mail them at jo@samaritans.org, or go to samaritans.org to seek out your nearest department.
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