Mount Kilimanjaro: Ex-soldier carries 30kg fridge up Africa's highest peak to highlight mental health

This ex-soldier climbed Africa's highest mountain with a fridge strapped to his back to show what it's like carrying around mental health issues.

By Lucinda Herbert

Published 26th Mar 2024, 12:19 BST

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A former army fitness instructor has become the “first person in history” to climb Mount Kilimanjaro while carrying a FRIDGE.

Michael Copeland, from Stafford, has shared his epic adventures in a series of video diary clips on social media.

Michael Copeland from Stafford, on his climb up Kilimanjaro with a fridge on his back. A former soldier has conquered Africa's highest mountain whilst carrying a fridge on his back.

Michael Copeland from Stafford, on his climb up Kilimanjaro with a fridge on his back. A former soldier has conquered Africa's highest mountain whilst carrying a fridge on his back.

Fridge represents 'burden' of mental health

Impressive footage shows how Michael scaled the 19,340ft (5,895m) dormant volcano with a 30kg (4.7st) kitchen appliance strapped to his back.

He reached the summit of Africa's tallest mountain on Monday (25/3) after an exhausting seven-day hike.

On reaching the iconic Uhuru Peak sign, Michael told his cheering supporters: “Day seven and I am the first man in history to climb Kilimanjaro whilst carrying a fridge to represent the burden of poor mental health.”

Men afraid to talk mental health

The former Grenadier Guard took on the unusual feat to raise money for Mind - but also to get men talking about their mental health.

He added that the fridge was a big 'talking point' that encouraged conversation.

Michael Copeland from Stafford, on his climb up Kilimanjaro with a fridge on his back. Mr Copeland became a bodybuilder when he left the Army, and said he had been taking on physical challenges since the age of 15 as a way of dealing with his own mental health challenges.

Michael Copeland from Stafford, on his climb up Kilimanjaro with a fridge on his back. Mr Copeland became a bodybuilder when he left the Army, and said he had been taking on physical challenges since the age of 15 as a way of dealing with his own mental health challenges.

'It's awkward and heavy on your shoulders'

He said: “Everyone always asks the same question: ‘Why a fridge?’

“But the answer is always the same. It’s not about the fridge, it could have been any very awkward object. It’s what it represents – mental health.

"It’s very awkward and very heavy on your shoulders, and it’s awkward to talk about.

“So the fridge is a way to get people talking and opening up about their mental health.”

Struggles with mental health after leaving army

The dad-of-two began his campaign to raise awareness about mental health two years ago after climbing Snowdon while carrying a fridge full of beer.

He said he felt “lost” after leaving the army in 2007 and struggled with obsessive-compulsive tendencies.

Michael added: “My message is you’re not weak if you speak up about mental health.

“I chose Kilimanjaro because it’s one of the highest mountains which can be climbed without ropes or other equipment.

“The competitive spirit I got from the Army has never left me.

“I’ve been the fridge man for two years, but I’ve always used physical challenges to overcome my own insecurities.

“When I get in nature and when I exercise it makes me feel good.”

Africa Mind Mental Health British Army

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