Recovering drug addict credits hiking for saving his lifeWayne Andrews, a 40-year-old quality engineer from Bettws, has recently opened up about his journey from a two-decade-long battle with drug addiction to finding solace in hiking up mountains in Wales. Wayne shared that his struggles with drug use began at the tender age of 14 and escalated throughout his early 20s, marked by a hedonistic lifestyle centred around partying and substance abuse. The tragic loss of two close friends to suicide in his 20s further exacerbated his drug use, leading him down a dark path of addiction. At his lowest point in his 30s, Wayne found himself heavily reliant on cocaine and struggling to cope with the aftermath of a broken relationship.
A pivotal moment in Wayne’s life came when he made the decision to move back to his hometown of Bettws, where he confronted the choice between continuing down the destructive path of drug addiction or embarking on a journey of self-transformation. It was during this critical juncture that Wayne discovered a newfound passion for hiking up mountains and hills across Wales. He described the act of walking in nature as a lifeline that pulled him out of the grips of addiction and offered him a sense of purpose and clarity. Wayne expressed that hiking became a form of therapy for him, significantly improving his mental health and bringing him a sense of fulfilment that he had never experienced before.
Reflecting on his personal growth, Wayne shared, “In terms of my mental health, since I’ve been going out walking I’m in a much better mindset than I’ve ever been in the past 20 years of my life.” He attributes his newfound lease on life to the healing power of nature and the community he has found through his hiking experiences. Wayne emphasised that the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other in the great outdoors had a profound impact on his well-being and helped him navigate through the challenges of addiction recovery.
Since delving into the world of hiking two years ago, Wayne has conquered over 380 mountains in Wales, setting ambitious challenges each year to push his limits and raise awareness for charitable causes. Notably, he completed a 100-mile trek across the Beacon’s Way in Brecon and summited Pen Y Fan ten times in a fundraising endeavour. This year, Wayne is embarking on his most ambitious journey yet – walking the 300 miles of the Cambrian Way, traversing Welsh national parks and rugged terrains in support of the mental health charity Mind.
Wayne’s passion for hiking led him to establish a walking group called “Foreverinthehills,” where he aims to create a supportive community for individuals seeking solace in nature and physical activity. Through this initiative, Wayne hopes to inspire others facing mental health struggles or addiction to discover the healing potential of outdoor pursuits. His dedication to sharing his story and advocating for mental health awareness underscores his commitment to paying forward the support and encouragement he received on his transformative journey.
As Wayne looks towards the future, he envisions scaling all 2,300 hills and mountains above 30m in Wales by 2028, setting an ambitious goal to explore the diverse landscapes of his homeland. His unwavering determination and resilience serve as a beacon of hope for those grappling with addiction and mental health challenges. By turning his pain into purpose and embracing the healing power of nature, Wayne Andrews exemplifies the transformative impact of pursuing a path of recovery and self-discovery.
Wayne’s story serves as a testament to the profound healing potential of reconnecting with nature and fostering a sense of community through shared experiences. Through his advocacy and outreach efforts, he exemplifies the resilience and courage required to overcome adversity and embrace a life filled with purpose and passion. Wayne’s journey from the depths of addiction to the peaks of Wales’ mountains is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, self-reflection, and the unwavering belief in the possibility of a brighter tomorrow.