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Nick Allen

Kia ora, I’m Nick. I am passionate about our work at Mastering Mountains, helping people with neurological conditions achieve their dreams outdoors.

To celebrate the Trust’s 10th birthday, I am climbing 52 named peaks taller than 1,000m in one year. I’m doing this to raise money for Mastering Mountains, so that we can continue to support people with disabilities in achieving their dream adventures, and I would love your support.

Why I am fundraising

I was diagnosed with functional neurological disorder and fibromyalgia a few years ago, having first experienced neurological symptoms over 20 years ago, as a teenager. You can read a bit more about my story here. For a time, I relied on a mobility scooter and crutches to get outside, but the hope and joy of adventure outdoors has carried me through years of rehabilitation.

There's a Māori whakataukī about wonder that also, for me at least, captures an incredible sense of this hope and joy:

E tūtaki ana ngā kapua o te rangi,
kei runga te Mangōroa e kōpae pū ana.

The clouds in the sky gather,
but above them extends the Milky Way.

I love this picture. Getting caught up or fixated on the gathering clouds that darken the sky is so easy when you live with a chronic illness. The presence of the Milky Way doesn't automatically cause the clouds to clear – they might hang around for a long time – but it does put them in perspective and remind us that there is so much more to our experience than just the clouds.

You might say that Mastering Mountains exists to help people remember the Milky Way and to offer a path that will take them through the clouds and allow them to glimpse the glory of the sky. I’m passionate about this work, and that’s why I want to complete this fundraising challenge.

It's been 10 years since we started Mastering Mountains, and we need funding to continue helping people find hope. For me, climbing 52 named peaks over 1,000m is all about raising awareness for Mastering Mountains and raising the funds needed for the Trust to continue its work. If you want to see others be able to get outdoors and experience hope, please consider donating to Mastering Mountains.

Thanks

I want to say a huge thanks to Black Diamond, Scarpa and Suzuki for all the support they have given me, and to all those who have helped me achieve my own adventure dreams over the years.