Three Peaks Challenge in memory of colleague

The 12-strong team will hike the 24mile route to the summits of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in under 12 hours on Friday April 22^nd. They have set a fundraising target of £3,000 and are appealing for donations via a Go Fund Me page.

Supporting mental health charities and taking part in mental health awareness campaigns has been a focus for the business over recent years. In 2020 the company trained and launched a dedicated Mental Health First Aid team to provide support for employees, and in 2021 more than £3,000 was donated to the Construction Industry Charity The Lighthouse Club following the team’s 60,400-step Everest Challenge.

But the death of a valued friend and co-worker to suicide has made this year’s event even more personal and important says Olivia Lea, Russell WBHO HR manager and a Mental Health First Aider.

“Losing Chris was devastating for everyone, he was a really lovely guy and a fantastic colleague. We wanted to do something which would honour his memory and help to make a difference to other people who are suffering with their mental health, and so are donating to the fund close to the family – Manchester Mind Charity.

“Taking on the Three Peaks Challenge in Chris’ name is really important to us and we hope to raise as much money as possible to help fund the incredibly important work that Mind does for people in need.”

Mind provides direct support to people who are looking for help in dealing with mental ill health, giving out advice and information, and practical solutions to issues like financial worries. The charity also offers advice for friends and family members on how they can provide support for loved ones, and advocates nationally on mental health matters.

Russell WBHO also fundraises for the construction industry charity The Lighthouse Club which has an ongoing campaign to raise awareness of mental health issues in an industry where an average of two construction workers take their own lives every day.

Their campaign focuses on the idea that ‘it’s ok not to be ok’ with the aim of encouraging people to talk and share their worries.

Darren Williams, Russell WBHO’s health and safety manager and another Mental Health First Aider, added: “Construction workers are considered less likely to seek help than almost any other sector and as a result the sector has one of the highest rates of mental health illness. This is an issue which affects so many people and we are doing everything we can to raise awareness and provide support to anyone who needs it.

“We do fundraising events every year but this year will be especially poignant as we remember Chris. He was a valued member of staff, well liked among his colleagues, a good friend, father, grandfather and husband who is dearly missed.”

The Yorkshire Three Peaks route is 24 miles (38.6km), and includes 1585m (5200ft) of ascent. It takes on the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, which form part of the Pennine range and encircle the head of the valley of the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

This story has been produced with the permission of Chris’ family.

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