Witney enthusiast’s epic trip after 46-year diagnosis wait

Carterton youth worker Mike How is driving his restored 36-year-old Fiat 126 on a 2,300-mile journey to Poland to raise money for the mental health charity Mind.

Mr How, a long-term advocate for mental health awareness, began his journey on Monday, May 11, aiming to raise £1 for every mile travelled, a nod to the distance to the Fiat’s birthplace.

Mr How, who has lived with mental health challenges since his early 20s, said: “I have battled with mental health difficulties since my early 20’s and have been supported by some fantastic people in all aspects of health services.

“Thankfully I am getting the correct ADHD diagnosis at 46 years young.”

He was joined on the journey by his uncle Tony, who is driving a classic 50-year-old VW T2 camper that will complete the trip alongside Mr How’s Fiat.

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The Fiat 126 (Image: Mike How)

Simon Gamage, a friend from Witney, said: “Mike is one of my oldest friends and we went to school together at Wood Green in the 1990s.

“He is from Witney and now lives in Carterton.

“He hasn’t sought any publicity for the trip he’s doing.

“He is a qualified youth worker and passionate advocate for child, youth and adult mental health, and of raising awareness of it, removing any stigma attached to people talking about their mental health and seeking help with it.”

The journey will take them through France, Belgium, Germany, and Holland.

Mr How plans to return to Poland, where the Fiat 126 was manufactured, completing the round trip in just under two weeks.

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The fundraiser has already surpassed its initial £2,000 target, reaching more than £3,700 with hopes for further donations.

Mr Gamage said: “I just heard from Mike and he’s made it to Belgium on target after his first day so all going to plan so far.

“Mike’s uncle Tony has now joined him driving his classic VW camper, and apparently they have been attracting a lot of attention on the road since they set off.”

Mr How stressed the importance of the cause.

He said: “We all have mental health and need to keep talking about it, looking after it and supporting services to help people equally as well as we do those of us with physical health problems.”

The fundraiser is hosted on JustGiving, where Mr How encouraged supporters to contribute using the platform, describing it as “simple, fast and totally secure”.