This summer, our daughter Jess and Andrew (her Dad) are taking on the National Three Peaks Challenge, to raise money and awareness for people living with Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRBs), including Trichotillomania – a condition that is very close to our hearts.

For almost three years, Jess has lived with Trichotillomania, a hair-pulling disorder that can have a huge impact on confidence and self-esteem, particularly for young people. It is estimated to affect 1-2% of the people in the UK, yet so few have heard of it. Yet despite the challenges she faces, the way she deals with her condition day in and day out is nothing short of remarkable. Her resilience, strength and positivity make us proud every single day. Despite everything she has been through, she has never allowed the condition to define who she is.

This is the first time Jess has agreed for us to speak openly about her condition. She has made that decision because she wants to help others who may be going through the same thing and to let them know they are not alone.

Trichotillomania and other BFRBs are often misunderstood, and many children and young people struggle in silence. For a 13-year-old girl, the condition can bring worries and self-consciousness that no child should have to face on their own.

Through this challenge, we hope to raise awareness, encourage understanding and help other families affected by these conditions.

Together, we'll be climbing the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales:

Ben Nevis (1,345m) Scafell Pike (978m) Snowdon (1,085m)

Three mountains. Three countries. One cause that means the world to us.

And because climbing three mountains apparently wasn't challenging enough, Andrew will also be getting a full buzz cut in the week leading up to the challenge as a show of solidarity and to spark conversations about Trichotillomania and the impact these conditions can have.

There will be tired legs, sore feet and probably a few moments where we'll question our sanity, but every step will be worth it if we can help even one person feel understood, accepted and less alone.

Any donation, no matter how big or small, would mean the world to us.

Fresh Charity work closely with Trichotillomania Support (trichotillomania.co.uk) an organisation dedicated to helping people living with trichotillomania and their families and we are proud to be supporting the work that they do.

Thank you for helping us raise awareness and support those living with BFRBs.

Thank you so much for your support.

Helen, Andrew & Jess ❤️

"Three Mountains. One Buzz Cut. One Mission."