This May, I'm finally making a long-held dream a reality. On the 23rd and 24th, I'll be taking on the UK Three Peaks Challenge — climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon within 24 hours. Three mountains. One mission. And a cause I care about deeply.

I've always been passionate about mental health — not just raising awareness, but sharing real, practical tools for managing the mind. That's exactly what this fundraiser is about.

I know first-hand what it means to have practical tools to manage your mind. Through the SKY Happiness Retreat, I've learned that mental health isn't something that just happens to you — it's something you can actively tend to, every single day.

Just like we brush our teeth each morning without thinking twice — a simple daily habit that protects us for life — mental hygiene works the same way. The breathing and meditation practices I've learned through SKY take just minutes a day, but the effect on my clarity, calm, and emotional balance has been profound.

When life gets overwhelming, I don't just sit with the stress — I have tools. A few rounds of Sudarshan Kriya breathing and I can feel my nervous system settle. A short meditation and the mental noise quiets down. These aren't abstract spiritual concepts — they're practical, repeatable techniques that work, backed by science, and accessible to anyone willing to try.

That's exactly why I believe every student deserves access to this programme. We teach young people to look after their bodies, their grades, their careers — but rarely do we teach them how to look after their minds. The SKY Happiness Retreat changes that.

Why Student Mental Health Matters

Student wellbeing in the UK is at a breaking point. Nearly 1 in 5 students report significant mental health difficulties such as stress, anxiety, or depression. Around 1 in 3 say their wellbeing has worsened since starting university. Among young people aged 16–24, rates of common mental health conditions have risen to around 25–26% — and suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in this age group.

These are not just statistics. These are our students, our communities, our future.

What Your Donation Funds: The SKY Happiness Retreat

Every pound raised goes towards funding the SKY Campus programme — an evidence-based retreat delivered by the Art of Living, backed by over 100 scientific studies, that gives university students practical tools to manage their minds and thrive.

Students leave the retreat with:

🌿 Emotional resilience — tools to cope with pressure and navigate relationships with empathy and confidence

🧘 Breathwork and meditation skills — practical Sudarshan Kriya techniques with proven effects on stress, anxiety and sleep

🎯 Improved focus, clarity and energy — for studying and for life

🤝 A supportive community — meaningful peer connections built on trust and shared growth

"SKY allows me to be the best that I can be as a student, a leader, and a person." — Jackie

"I discovered who I can be as a strong, resilient person." — Jason

Your Impact

By supporting this fundraiser, you're helping make the SKY Happiness Retreat accessible to students who might otherwise miss out. You're not just helping someone survive a tough term — you're giving them skills for a lifetime of wellbeing.

Every step I take up those mountains, I'll be thinking of the students who deserve these tools. Please donate whatever you can — and share this page so even more students can benefit.

Thank you. 🏔️

Manoj Ganapathi Sengottaian