‘This could’ve been a walk in Drew’s memory, but instead I’m completing this challenge with him, and I couldn’t be prouder,” says Jemma Fenn, a Nottinghamshire Police Federation member.

Her words come just days before she and husband Drew - also a Nottinghamshire cop - as well as his sister Charlotte, embark on a Six Peak Challenge.

Hoping to climb six mountains in 72 hours, Jemma and the team will be raising awareness of men’s mental health after Drew ‘hit rock bottom’.

“Drew was always known as Mr.Grumpy at work,” says Jemma. “But I could see him breaking inside.”

Jemma, Drew and Charlotte.

The pair have been married for six years, having met through the job a decade ago. 

“I don’t think people would ever expect a six-foot officer like Drew to be suffering with his mental health. I think people will be shocked to hear him talk so openly about his mental health and the challenges he has faced.”

Drew admits that has always struggled with his mental health, however, it was not until he started taking medication having been hit by car, that he realised he needed professional help.

Anti-depressants

“The medication Drew took when he was hit by a car in 2020 contained anti-depressants. It was almost like a light-bulb moment that led to him seeing the doctor and being prescribed anti-depressants and anti-anxiety tablets,” said Jemma, who has a four-year-old son, Theo, with Drew. 

Drew also received counselling sessions through the Federation, a service he wants other members to know about.

And as a result of his own experience, Drew and Jemma, along with Charlotte and Gav will be climbing six mountains this May, to raise money for men’s mental health charity Enlighten The Shadows. 

Drew, Charlotte and Jemma.

“We want to change people’s perception of mental health,” Jemma continued.

“We want people to listen, to talk and to stomp out the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide.”

Jemma said she is so proud of Drew for opening up and speaking so candidly about his own challenges to help others.

“As police officers, I think we all put on this front - it’s like the uniform makes us invincible. But then you go home, and that’s when your loved ones see the real you,” said Jemma.

Proud

“Together, we’ve gone through it all - the good, the bad and the ugly. Drew is unrecognisable now. I’m incredibly proud of the person he has become.”

The team will kick off their challenge on Friday 2 May, as they embark on the Yorkshire Three Peaks, before venturing up to Scotland the following day to climb the National Three Peaks, starting with Ben Nevis. They will then climb England’s Scafell Pike and Snowdon, in Wales.

You can follow the team’s fundraising efforts on Instagram: @stomping.out.stigma2025 

Show your support by donating to their JustGiving page.