What? 

Those three bad boys.

On the 14-16 September we will be taking part in the 'National Three Peaks Challenge' to raise money for the charity MIND. We will be climbing the three highest peaks in England, Wales and Scotland within 24 hours. Ben Nevis (1,344m), Scafell Pike ...in the dark (978m) and finally Snowdon (1,085m). The challenge will involve a total ascent of almost 10,000ft, trekking a distance of approximately 27 miles and over 1000 miles of driving. 

Why? 

We want to support the charity MIND and raise awareness of the great support that they provide. Mind work to bring an end to the stigma that is attached to those who suffer from mental health problems. 

Mental health disorders can be difficult to diagnose. We have both been witness to many friends and family struggle for different reasons and at different points in life. The truth is, every single one of us either knows someone who has experienced poor mental health or has experienced it personally. The invisible nature of mental health problems underlies the discrimination many people face. 

The Three Peaks is going to be a physical endurance challenge but also something that will require dogged determination that comes from beyond just our bodies. Neither of us are seasoned outdoor pursuers – here’s a bit about us both and what this challenge is for. 

Who? 

We have been friends since we were 4. Jess has worked as an artist for the last 7 years and seen first hand how creative endeavours can be therapeutic. She now works in a non-mainstream school for students with a variety of mental health, social and emotional needs. Jess had a little boy, Arlo 18 months ago and this is not only a way of raising money for a very important charity but a way to physically challenge herself. She is more accustomed to festival life during the summer months - this year is going to be very different! 

Vanessa was seeking a new challenge. As a landscape architect, she has studied the positive effects that access to good quality landscapes have on our health and wellbeing. For her, this challenge is about doing something meaningful and celebrating our landscape. To her mind it's clear, mental illness is no different to cancer or heart disease; it's indiscriminate, it happens quickly and can manifest in many different ways. Nobody would turn down treatment for any other illness but with major depression 56% of sufferers go untreated in part due to the stigma attached to having a mental illness. 

We are fortunate to have the support of family and family, who love us unconditionally, support us indefinitely and have the utmost patience. There are those who are not so fortunate to have the same level of support and understanding. They suffer in silence and are alone. 

This challenge is for those people.

We are all responsible for making change happen. 

Your support is hugely appreciated. Thank you.

To donate by phone, text JAVA86 followed by the amount you'd like to donate to 70070, i.e. to donate £5 text: "JAVA86 £5" to 70070.