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

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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.

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.

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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.
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. | Courtesy Michael Copeland / SWNS

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.

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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.
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. | Courtesy Michael Copeland / SWNS

'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.

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“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.

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“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.”

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