Emma & Iwan’s Machu Picchu trek for The DPJ Foundation

Mum & Son adventure!

We’re trekking the Inca Trail in Peru to raise awareness and hopefully collect donations for The DPJ Foundation, a fantastic mental health charity that we have both have been involved with, since its creation 9 years ago.

Emma; I’ve been involved with The DPJ Foundation for the past 9 years attending training, raising awareness, volunteering on the 24/7 Share The Load helpline and generally helping with events and fundraising. More recently I’m beyond proud to put my nursing skills to good use on The Hywel Davies lorry, which is a cattle lorry converted into an amazing mobile health hub, which allows us to attend livestock markets and bridge the gap between physical health and mental health, right at the heart of where farmers go. I had no farming knowledge before this and it’s been a steep learning curve, but I can see firsthand the amazing work that DPJ offers, the impact it has on the farming community & the real difference it makes every single day. The charity really means so much to so many- raising awareness & funds will help us to continue this amazing work.

I can’t think of a better way to honour the 10th anniversary of the charity by focusing my own physical and mental health with his exciting but daunting challenge - this will not be easy for me! Although a real bonus for me will be the fact that my son, Iwan will also be making the trek with me - sharing this journey with him will really be a once in a lifetime experience.

Iwan; The DPJ Foundation was founded by one of my primary school teachers, who lost her husband to suicide.

In the last 9 years, the charity has encouraged all local schools, families and friends of all ages, to discuss their mental health, learn to recognise the signs of someone struggling and most importantly the value of talking about mental health & asking for help when needed.

Thank you in advance for any contributions it really means so much to us.

More information about The DPJ Foundation: The DPJ Foundation is a charity that works with farmers and the rural community to beat the stigma around mental health. We offer support to people who want help through a confidential 24/7 call line and rapid access to counsellors. We also deliver Mental Health Awareness training to help people working with farmers and farmers themselves to spot the signs of poor mental health and to know how to help or get help.