As part of the MONY Group, I am taking on the extreme Balkan Three Peak Challenge this June, climbing 3 mountains over 6 days against suicide in aid of the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).

My work MONY Group are also matching whatever we personally raise!

Last year for my 40th birthday, I decided to tackle Snowdon via the Crib Goch route. Yep, the one that's only for experienced climbers. Well, I survived (just!)! It was a real test of my limits (and my naivety). Now, because apparently I didn't learn my lesson, I'm taking on an even bigger challenge.

Comparing the Challenges

Mount Snowdon (Crib Goch Route):

Height: 1,085 meters (3,560 feet)

Route Length: Approximately 7.5 miles (12 km) round trip

Difficulty: High, with exposed ridges and scrambling sections

Time: 6-8 hours...

Balkan Three Peak Challenge:

Mount Korab: 2,764 meters (9,068 feet)

Mount Gjeravica: 2,656 meters (8,714 feet)

Mount Zla Kolata: 2,534 meters (8,314 feet)

Total Distance: Approximately 50 km over multiple days

Difficulty: Very high, with long days of hiking, significant elevation gain, and challenging terrain

Time: 6 days

Why This Cause Matters

This cause is incredibly important to me. Mental health is an issue that has touched the lives of many people I know, and I'm sure it has affected many of you reading this as well. CALM is a suicide prevention charity on a mission to help people end their misery, not their lives. Right now, someone in the UK takes their own life every 90 minutes. CALM exists to change this.

How CALM Makes a Difference

Life-saving helpline: CALM runs a helpline for anyone affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts.

Resources: Their website is packed with tools and resources to make talking and managing mental health easier.

Campaigns: They run vital campaigns to increase awareness, smash stereotypes, and change the culture around mental health and suicide.

How You Can Help

But they can't do it alone. Just £12.20 could answer a life-saving call to CALM's suicide prevention helpline. Help me save lives today.