The unique challenge, the aim to become fit to achieve it, the camaraderie of doing it as a group (there’s 26 of us!) - we cannot wait.

Naturally though, this is going to be a really tough challenge, with little sleep and 3 massive mountains to ascend and descend in just 24 hours! We start at Ben Nevis at around 8am Saturday morning and then onto Scarfell Pike in the afternoon/eve and Snowdon for sunrise on Sunday morning.

It felt only right to symbolise this massive challenge with some Fundraising for a local charity that as mum’s of young children we feel very close to. WINCHESTER YOUTH COUNSELLING.

So why WYC and what will the money we raise go towards?

Counselling, therapy, and mental health support for young people aged 11-25 - The need for support for young people far exceeds the resources available and we want to help ensure the Young People of Winchester have easy access to these vital services.

Stats:

1. 1 in 10 children/young people are affected by a mental and emotional health issue - 70% of which do not receive the appropriate support.

2. In 2022, WYC doubled the number of counselling they offer however since November 2022, they have received an unprecedented number of referrals averaging at 40 referrals per month. Prior to November, the average was 25 referrals per month.

3. WYC counsellor rates are £26 per 50-minute counselling session.

4. The main presenting issues for clients are anxiety (65%), low-mood (48%), suicidal thoughts (30%) and self-harm (30%).

5. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) has a waitlist of around 2 years and so the need for support from smaller mental health services like WYC is vital in our community and that is why they continue to do what they do.