Nick Allen has dedicated his life to challenging the notion that a neurological diagnosis is the end of one’s ability to get outdoors. This year he is climbing 52 peaks higher than 1000m. 

In his mid-20s Allen was diagnosed with functional neurological disorder and confined to a mobility scooter. He spent the next five years in rehabilitation, eventually climbing a 6000m peak in the Himalayas.

Following that, in 2015 he set up Mastering Mountains Charitable Trust, an organisation supporting people with neurological disabilities to get outdoors.

“Getting into a green space, hearing the sound of water or wind in the trees, smelling the forest and engaging our senses in nature has the effect of calming our central nervous system,” he said. “Outdoors is where I feel the most freedom from my chronic pain.”

It’s 10 years since Allen first climbed in the Himalayas, and he’s celebrating by climbing 52 peaks in 52 weeks while fundraising for his trust.

“I wanted to do something that people could understand and that was relatable,” he said.

It’s also about continuing his own rehabilitation journey; four and a half years ago Allen had a “massive relapse” and needed crutches to walk. 

Of the mountains he’s climbed so far, Castle Hill Peak (1998m) was the most difficult.

“I felt really intimidated by it as it’s a big day with a lot of distance and a technical section through The Gap,” Allen said.

“When I made it through to the final stretch I was heading into the golden hour; rays of light were coming through clouds. It was beautiful.”

He hopes to achieve one 3000m peak by the end of the year. 

“Once I’m able to climb something of that size, it will feel like a return to my levels of fitness prior to my relapse.”