2-Night Hike for EDS/Mental Health Awareness Month (May)

The Mission
My name is Jamie, and I’ve spent much of my life being told what I can’t do. Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), ADHD, and mental health challenges, I’ve often been defined by my diagnoses.
This May, which marks both EDS and Mental Health Awareness Month, I’m flipping the script!

On May 1st, I’m embarking on a 2-night wilderness hiking and camping expedition alongside my friend Jordan. This isn't just a trek, it’s a mission to prove that a diagnosis doesn’t define your finish line.

A Shared Journey
I’m not doing this alone. Jordan is joining me on this challenge, navigating his own mental health and physical hurdles. Together, we want to show that with the right pacing and support, the 'impossible' becomes possible.
This cause hits close to home for both of us. My drive to support these charities comes from my own lived experience and my family:

My Brother lives with Autism.
My Partner's Brother is also on the spectrum.

We’ve seen first hand the importance of proper support, and we want to ensure these resources are there for others.

The Mantra: JKP
My initials are JKP (Jamie Kian Pennington), but they represent my life’s philosophy: Just Keep Pushing. Navigating the wilderness with EDS and mental health struggles presents unique hurdles—from joint instability to the internal battle of keep-going. But "Just Keep Pushing" is about asking "What CAN I do?" rather than focusing on limitations.
The Bigger Picture: JKP AutoCare
Beyond the trail, I am documenting my journey of building my business, JKP AutoCare, from the ground up. I want to inspire fellow neurodivergent and EDS individuals to see entrepreneurship as a path to independence and strength.

4 Charities, 1 Mission
Every penny raised on this page will be split evenly to support physical and mental wellbeing through these incredible organizations:

MIND & Andy’s Man Club: Vital mental health support and a lifeline for men in need.
EDS UK: Advocacy and support for those living with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes.
Ambitious About Autism: Empowering autistic children and young people.

Thank you for helping us show that we can all keep pushing, no matter the obstacles.