AN ISLANDER has spent the last two weeks sleeping under the stars to raise money for an organisation that supports people with ADHD.
Will Crawford’s 21-day challenge began on 19 May and involves him wild camping at sites across the Island, including St Catherine’s and St Ouen.
Mr Crawford, who was diagnosed with ADHD two years ago, is hoping to raise £5,000 to help non-profit group ADHD continue its work in providing support groups, courses and guidance.
He is also using the experience to raise awareness of the condition and support his own mental health.
The Islander has claimed that sleeping outside – often with just a sleeping bag – has brought him a sense of calm he wasn’t finding at home, which he described as a place where he would “sit and watch movies to escape reality” and often feel “burnt out”.
“The first night outside, my energy felt amazing, like it was just like a total reset,” he said.
“There wasn’t any getting up and sitting in this triggering room and procrastinating. I would literally get up and be connected to the earth, focus on my breathing and look at the sunrise.”
Alongside the challenge, he’s continuing to train for a Muay Thai fight and working with clients in breathwork and resilience coaching.
He believes these practices are particularly useful for people with ADHD in helping to manage stress and improve focus.
Founder of ADHD Jersey Rachel Tippet described Mr Crawford as “so brave” for sharing his story, as well as embarking on the challenge.
“Will is so full of energy and enthusiasm that you just can’t help but be enthralled by him,” she said.
“He is embodying exactly what we try and teach at ADHD Jersey, that it’s okay to be who you are. We can’t thank him enough for doing this.
“We have so much demand but are struggling with no funding at all. Will’s campaign has really been a lifeline to us.”
Nearly £2,000 has already been raised so far, and donations can be made online here.
