5 Peaks Challenge in aid of Stamp Out Suicide

(What's Involved and Who is taking part?)

What is the Challenge?

The 5 Peak Challenge can be completed in different orders, yet the objective remains consistent: conquering the highest peaks within a few days. We aim to ascend the highest summits in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales, all within a single week, including travel.

When do we start?

We climb the first peak Carrantuohill on Saturday the 13th of July 2024 and finish on Snowdon on the Thursday the 18th of July 2024.

How do we travel to each peak?

Our journey commences in Belfast, from where we head south to Carrantuohill in Co. Kerry. On Day 1, we tackle our first peak, Carrantuohill, before continuing to Newcastle, Co. Down to ascend Slieve Donard the following day. After conquering Slieve Donard, we swiftly journey to Belfast International Airport to catch a flight to Glasgow. From there, we rent a car and travel to Fort William for our next challenge, Ben Nevis, on the very next day. Given our small party size, we take a necessary break post-Ben Nevis, preparing for the 6-7-hour journey to Scafell Pike in the Lake District. Resuming our climbing the following day at Scafell Pike, we then make our way to Snowdon in North Wales. Our final climb up Snowdon is scheduled for Thursday, the 18th of July 2024. By the end of our adventure, spanning nearly 1400 miles and ascending and descending 10,600 meters, a well-deserved pint awaits us upon our return to base in the Wirral.

Who is taking on the challenge?

Paul Cardwell, a Director at Capital Reinforcing, is joined by his colleague Joe Mullin, who serves as the Production Manager, as well as Paul's two sons, Callum and Conall Cardwell. All of us share a passion for climbing and have scaled numerous mountains across the UK and Ireland, although never within the same week as the upcoming challenge. Throughout our journey, we anticipate the company of many friends and colleagues joining us at various stages of the challenges. Everyone is encouraged to meet us at any of the Peaks to offer support and even join in on the ascent to the summit. As the event approaches, we will keep everyone informed of the start times for each mountain, aiming to minimise any potential traffic disruptions along the way.

(Why are we doing this challenge?)

The 5 Peaks Challenge holds a deeper purpose beyond our personal physical and mental endeavours; it serves as a platform to support a charity close to our hearts: Stamp Out Suicide. This charity, based in the Northwest of England but with nationwide reach, addresses the pressing issue of suicide, which ranks among the top three causes of unnatural death in the UK. In 2023 alone, there were 7,579 deaths by suicide in the UK and the majority of which would be preventable with early intervention.

Despite the evident need, our healthcare system grapples with severe financial and systemic strains, often leaving mental health services underfunded and undervalued. Colm Farrell, the charity's Director, established Stamp Out Suicide in response to the glaring absence of mental health support for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts. The charity serves as a beacon of hope, fostering conversations and providing direct messages of support without the need for a hotline number.

Colm emphasizes the universal impact of suicide, stating, "One thing for sure is that suicide can, and does, come knocking on absolutely anyone's door. Believe me; when it does come to your doorstep it's like a tsunami and leaves a rotten trail of destruction in its wake."

Operating solely on volunteer efforts and fundraising events like the 5 Peaks Challenge, Stamp Out Suicide relies on community support to sustain its invaluable services. Currently without government assistance, it is imperative that we rally behind the charity, ensuring it continues to offer crucial aid to those in need.

(How can we help?)

We've established a team objective of raising £2,000 per peak. However, we're counting on the collective support of our friends, family, and the business community to help us reach this goal in aid of a very worthy cause.

A heartfelt reminder underscores our purpose: many of us have personal or professional connections to individuals affected by mental health issues. Stamp Out Suicide relies on our support to assist those in need. If our efforts can save even one person, then it was all truly worthwhile.

Thank you sincerely for your anticipated support.

Paul, Joe, Callum & Conall

(Chris Davison. SRM – Irish Peaks) - (Louise Kavanagh, Capital Reinforcing - UK Peaks)

If you know anyone that has mental health issues and needs someone to talk to then contact Stamp Out Suicide as per the details below.

Helpline: 07766808222 – This line is active from 10:00 am to 2:00 am each day.

Email: [email redacted].uk

Web: https://www.stampoutsuicide.co.uk/