FRIDAY FILM - The White Fox

© Rob Johnson

Charlie Leeds (aka Mark Valentine, or the White Fox) received mental health support in the early 2000s after a traumatic incident while away supporting Leeds United FC in Turkey. He then discovered walking in the hills and is now a qualified International Mountain Leader and Rock Climbing Instructor.

A modern day hard man working as a bouncer on the streets of Leeds, his cover was blown when visitors to his bar found him reading "The Nature of Snowdonia" on the door. Charlie is an 'ejection technician' at a bar in Leeds, and this film by Rob Johnson and Mountain Training visits him in both his natural habitats, and learns a little about the inspiration he finds in the mountains, and how they have shaped his life since suffering from PTSD and depression.

"The mountains don't judge me... they don't discriminate; they're not like people. The mountains are just there. Solid and strong."

Charlie has gained six of Mountain Training's climbing and walking leadership qualifications since 2012, including becoming an International Mountain Leader and Rock Climbing Instructor. He has also recently been approved by Mountain Training as a Hill & Mountain Skills tutor.


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