Millimetres 2 Mountains
1720. Ed Jackson
1721. Lois Jackson
Ed and Lois Jackson, from Bath, created ‘Millimetres 2 Mountains’, an initiative taking people suffering from physical or mental ill health on mountain walking challenges to aid their recovery.
Ed is a former rugby player who was left quadriplegic after a diving accident in 2017, but less than a year after breaking his neck, as part of his recovery he took on a climb of Mount Snowdon. Not to be stopped during lockdown, he took on an at home challenge in April 2020 to climb the equivalent height of Mount Everest by walking up and down the stairs, raising more than £50,000 for charity ‘Wings For Life’, which conducts spinal cord research, and for NHS Charities. Encouraged throughout his challenges by his wife Lois, who is a trained Sports Coach and Life Coach and acted as Ed’s full-time carer during his recovery, they together set up their own foundation ‘Millimetres 2 Mountains’ to help others facing adversity in their lives, from mental health issues such as anxiety, depression to physical disabilities, by undertaking similar climbing challenges and outdoor expeditions. This year they are carrying out a series of mountaineering adventures, including in the Alps and the Himalayas.
In a personal letter to Ed and Lois, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“I was inspired to learn of your remarkable recovery and how you have dedicated yourselves to helping others through ‘Millimetres 2 Mountains’.
“By taking people with physical and mental difficulties out on challenges, you are giving them confidence in their abilities. I have no doubt that your endurance and resilience will have inspired others who are struggling.
“I also want to congratulate you on raising £50,000 for ‘Wings For Life’, by walking the equivalent of the height of Mount Snowdon in your own home. It is an incredible achievement!”
In response to receiving the award, Ed and Lois said:
“We are so thrilled to receive this prestigious award. Thank you to our trustees and supporters who have made our trips and the beneficiary support possible. We can’t wait to help more people take steps towards a brighter future.”