By Mal Butler
A homeless man has been on the Island over the last week, as part of his bid to promote people suffering with depression and mental health problems.
Jim McIlwain, 45, of Bristol, said: “I have been overwhelmed by the love the Islanders have shown me.”
He admits to attempting to take his life last year because of his mental health problems and decided to walk the coastline of England and Wales, a trip which will take him around 18 months.
Jim said: “I am currently homeless and suffer from depression and mental health problems. I spent six months sofa-surfing whilst holding down a job and, on Christmas Eve, I was homeless with nowhere to go, and ended up living in my car. Despite working at the time, I found it impossible to afford to find somewhere, as the rent prices deposit and cost of living is pretty much more than I took home which has left me in an impossible situation.
“So, on Sunday, January 8, I took on the biggest challenge of my life. I sold my car and decided to walk the coastline of England and Wales in all sorts of conditions and embracing whatever the world throws at me.
“This will be the hardest thing I will ever do. With my determination and support and help from family, friends and the general public, I will finish this. Along the way, any money raised will help to feed me and anything left over will be donated to Suicide Prevention UK.
“It’s my first time on the Island and it has been amazing and so welcoming. I put up my story on the ‘I Love the Isle of Wight’ Facebook page and was overwhelmed by the response. People were offering me a drink or food and nights in their B&Bs.
“I have been all over to Ventnor, where Better Days Café were brilliant, Shanklin and The Needles. It’s a beautiful place and I can’t thank everyone enough.
“I’m getting the Hovercraft, another first, back to Southsea and will contine the walk from there. It’s been fabulous here; thank you!”
Pictured: Jim (right) at the Better Days Café
Isle of Wight Observer