our story
Climbing Out Of Depression (COOD) was established and set up in July 2018 after the sudden and tragic death by suicide of Katie Kemp at the tender age of 23 in May 2017. Climbing was always Katie’s safe haven and it created a special environment to connect with herself and with others. A writer, a climber and the shining star behind COOD. The charity is set up in her memory to help and support others suffering from depression and anxiety, and to create spaces of community and bring people together so no one need suffer alone. COOD is supported and endorsed by Katie’s family.
This link is to Katie’s personal blog ‘A Traveller Returns’, about her journey to come to terms with her condition. It was her last, and is a poignant message about the internal struggles that severe depression can manifest. We hope that it may help others to come to terms with their own conditions, to know they are not alone and to share their struggles and seek help. https://onelastjourneyhome.wordpress.com
a personal message
from katie's mother
Our girl, Katie, brought us joy, love and happiness for almost 24 years. Losing her was the most devastating tragedy for all her family and friends, the ripples of pain spreading far and wide. Her struggle with mental illness was hidden from most as she felt, for a long time it was a weakness rather than an illness, and she did not want to be defined by her condition. As her illness advanced she realised that she had to accept her condition and speak out, which she did with great courage in her blog ‘A Traveller Returns’.
Katie had great plans for her future. Her compassion for others led her to seek study for a degree in psychology to enable her to help others struggling with depression and related mental illnesses, sadly this devastating condition overwhelmed her and she lost her battle on 30th May 2017.
For Katie, climbing was her safe haven. Her happiest times were spent working out the wall or boulders, at these times she could be totally present, free from the severe bouts of depression which were crippling her at other times. Now the miracle that is Katie has evolved and even though she is no longer physically present, Climbing out of Depression is fulfilling her wishes to help others through their difficult times.
Mental health needs to be seen, discussed, and treated in the same manner as any other physical illness, with resources, care and professional help. Then finally we can erase the stigma that is so often attached to it.
We are forever grateful to Be Fuller (Founder) who initiated and proposed the Charity, her dedication and determination is truly heroic. We also send our gratitude to White Spider for helping us with all the logistics, for supporting the charity and being so proactive with help and advice. Also thank you to everyone who has given precious time, supported and believed in the possibilities of the charity and the help it can bring to others.
The Kemp family are honoured to be part of this amazing project.
Patricia Kemp
Katie had great plans for her future. Her compassion for others led her to seek study for a degree in psychology to enable her to help others struggling with depression and related mental illnesses, sadly this devastating condition overwhelmed her and she lost her battle on 30th May 2017.
For Katie, climbing was her safe haven. Her happiest times were spent working out the wall or boulders, at these times she could be totally present, free from the severe bouts of depression which were crippling her at other times. Now the miracle that is Katie has evolved and even though she is no longer physically present, Climbing out of Depression is fulfilling her wishes to help others through their difficult times.
Mental health needs to be seen, discussed, and treated in the same manner as any other physical illness, with resources, care and professional help. Then finally we can erase the stigma that is so often attached to it.
We are forever grateful to Be Fuller (Founder) who initiated and proposed the Charity, her dedication and determination is truly heroic. We also send our gratitude to White Spider for helping us with all the logistics, for supporting the charity and being so proactive with help and advice. Also thank you to everyone who has given precious time, supported and believed in the possibilities of the charity and the help it can bring to others.
The Kemp family are honoured to be part of this amazing project.
Patricia Kemp
