Llangynhafal professor conquers Mount Fuji for Woody's Lodge

Dr Richard Mottershead, a professor at the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, specialises in psychiatric and mental health services. Originally from Llangynhafal, before becoming an academic he served with the Cheshire Regiment. 

Earlier this year an invite to a conference in Japan opened up the chance to realise a lifelong dream. It was a chance Richard could not pass up.

"It has always been a dream of mine to visit Japan and to climb Mount Fuji," he said. 

"When I was invited to this conference it presented an ideal opportunity - one of those moments in life where you have to say yes!"

Richard Mottershead at the summit of Mount Fuji (Image: Richard Mottershead)

Having set his mind to the task, Richard decided to use the climb to raise funds for a charity close to his heart - Woody's Lodge. 

"I served in the military and have done a lot of research into the mental health of veterans," he said. "Woody's Lodge provides incredible support for veterans and is a charity I have worked with for some time.

"I donated land at my Ty Gwalia Farm for them to build a facility for ex-servicemen and women and former emergency service workers to give them a place to meet up with other veterans to enjoy being active in the countryside, to relax and to access crucial advice and support, be that practical advice on employment or benefits or mental health support."

Richard launched a Just giving page - which is still taking donations here - but on his way to Japan the magnitude of his challenge hit home.

"Just days before I was planning to make the journey, three people tragically died on the climb," he said. "Obviously I was looking forward to the experience, but it was a timely reminder that this was not a simple undertaking." 

But fate stepped in once more to remind Richard of the reason he was doing this climb - Woody's Lodge.

Climbing Mount Fuji was a once-in-a-lifetime challenge. (Image: Richard Mottershead)

"When I got to Mount Fuji I met a group of US military veterans who were also taking on the challenge," said Richard. "There were Army, Air Force and US Marines in the group and we got chatting about the support that military veterans get when they leave the forces having committed themselves to protecting their country. 

"It was exactly the motivation I needed to drive me on to complete the climb."

Setting off early, when Richard reached the summit he witnessed a once in a lifetime sight, the sun rising over Fuji in the Land of the Rising Sun.

"It was unbelievable," he said. "To witness something so stunning, that will stay with me for a long time - I'm so glad I said yes!

Richard captured this incredible sight - sunrise from the top of Mount Fuji (Image: Richard Mottershead)

Woody's Lodge - the charity Richard was raising funds for - has just opened its first charity shop in Wrexham to help continue its work.

Located in the Ty Pawb community complex and supported by Wrexham Council, the shop will offer a wide variety of pre-loved clothing, accessories, homeware and will feature a unique display of military memorabilia, kindly loaned by local veterans and associations.

Woody's Lodge invites everyone to visit the new shop, explore the wide range of items available, view the military memorabilia on display, and learn more about the charity's mission.

Graham Jones, CEO, at Woody's Lodge, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Wrexham Council for their support and for helping us make our dream of opening a charity shop a reality.

"This shop will be a beacon of support for veterans and blue light service personnel in Wrexham, and we are excited to become part of this wonderful community. The addition of military memorabilia on display further strengthens our mission to honour and support those who have given so much."

For more information about Woody's Lodge and the new shop, visit www.woodyslodge.org or contact Wendy Scott, fundraising manager - Wendy-scott@woodyslodge.org.