15 May 2026
Our Trust security officer Kevin Pickard is preparing to tackle a gruelling coastal hike to raise awareness of ADHD after receiving a life-changing diagnosis.
Stockton dad-of-one Kev, 31, will join Roseberry Park Hospital colleague Ben Cope on the 32-mile sponsored walk from Whitby to Filey Brigg on 1 August.
The pair are hoping to raise at least £500 for the charity ADHD UK through their actions – but the challenge is about much more than just money.
“I lived my life totally lost and feeling like a failure until my combined ADHD diagnosis last year. I really want to raise awareness of ADHD with this walk,” said Kev.
“Having a diagnosis has given me a lot of understanding about myself. It helps other people understand me a bit more too. I’m being more me now.”
Early years leave lasting mark
Kev masked his character and personality “all the time” as a schoolboy to fit in with the crowd and make friends.
This led to detentions, poor school reports, exclusions and a spell in a group for youngsters with poor behaviour. He was even told he’d: “Never amount to much”.
“Those early years left a lasting mark,” he said. ” You’re not broken if you have ADHD, you’re just different – and I wish I’d known that earlier. This is why early diagnosis is so important.
“Years of masking lead to depression and anxiety. I felt like a failure growing up, had low self-esteem and was shut off from everyone. I don’t want others to go through that.”
Diagnosis brought sense of relief
Watching videos about mental health on social media eventually prompted Kev to seek professional advice in his 20s – after realising that many of his behavioural traits might be linked to a medical condition.
When he was officially diagnosed with combined ADHD last year – the presence of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive behaviours – it “brought a sense of relief” for him.
“My parents tried really hard to help and support me while I was growing up, but my behaviour was usually put down to me being a ‘naughty boy’,” he said.
“I do wonder, had I been diagnosed as a child, if my life might have been different. Could things have been put in place to support me – maybe changed things?
“One of my main goals in life now is to spread awareness around ADHD, to stop young people growing up lost in life like I was. Early diagnose is key.”
Stepping out to raise awareness
Both Kev and Ben are hoping that their sponsored walk will help spark conversations around ADHD – and encourage earlier recognition and support.
“This isn’t just a walk, it’s a test of endurance, determination and purpose. We will be pushing ourselves physically to make a real difference,” said Kev.
“As security officers we witness the impact of mental health struggles on a daily basis. This fundraiser is our way of giving back and raising awareness.”
Kev’s ambition to help others also extends beyond the walk.
Indeed, he would like to work with young people with ADHD in future, helping them to access the support which might have helped him so much as a child.
“Support needs to be put in at an early age to prevent further mental health in the future. I don’t want other people growing up wondering who they are, like I did,” he said.
“I’m happy to shout about my ADHD diagnosis from the rooftops because I missed all those years. I question everything in my life, and I don’t want that for others.”
- Donations for Kevin and Ben’s sponsored walk can be made via their JustGiving page.
