Ewan, High Peak

“My son is almost 17 and has barely left the house since 2020. After lockdown, family trauma, and the loss of his dad, he completely disengaged from society.

“I met Mike through a friend and, after hearing about Underwhelming Adventures, asked if he could help re-engage Ewan through climbing. I was hopeful, but realistic after so many attempts to try and reintegrate him. However, Mike took on the challenge with confidence.

“We met somewhere familiar to Ewan and kept things low key. Mike was brilliant: patient, warm and funny, and he quickly earned Ewan’s trust. That was only four weeks ago, yet the change is extraordinary. Ewan now climbs two to three times a week, attends school one morning a week, and has even started a weekly farm placement.

“Mike is incredibly receptive, considerate and knowledgeable about additional needs. He makes every session fun and empowering. To my little family, he is nothing short of a hero. Thank you for giving my boy his life back.”

SNAP, Inverness

“The kids absolutely loved it, was a joy to see them getting into climbing! Would love to do another session sometime.”