24/06/2026
A year ago today, I was driving up a steep hill towards Fontmell Down with a friend to watch the sunset. We never made it. 😢
A trailer loaded with round hay bales was travelling in front of us. I watched in horror as a ratchet strap came loose and the bales started crashing into my car. When they came off they hit the road and rolled at speed towards us rolling all over the place like skittle balls! It was one of the most frightening experiences I’ve ever had.
The months that followed were stressful. There were minor injuries, whiplash and visits to the doctor and physio, endless insurance discussions, and multiple attempts to repair my car properly. It came back with dents they still hadn’t repaired! But the biggest impact wasn’t physical. I found myself struggling mentally, experiencing flashbacks of the accident and feeling depressed.
For a long time, I’d been one of those people who thought antidepressants were something I’d never need. The experience taught me that looking after your mental health is no different from seeing a doctor for a physical illness. Sometimes you need help, and that’s okay.
One thing that did help was getting outside. I often woke very early after the accident, unable to sleep from the flashbacks, so I started heading out to watch the sunrise. Those mornings became my therapy. Watching the sun come up, hearing the birds, and being surrounded by nature helped me find some peace and perspective.
Those sunrises also planted a seed. I’d been sharing photos from my walks with friends on my private account for years, and I realised that perhaps other people might enjoy them too.
So, in a strange way, something that began as one of the worst experiences of my life led to the creation of this page.
Thank you to everyone who has followed along, liked a photo, left a comment, or simply enjoyed a sunrise with me. It means more than you know.
