Mark Beattie, Jonny Calderwood, Andrew Marsden and Wayne McMeekin will climb five of the UK and Ireland's highest mountains between 13-18 June in aid of Depression Charity for Northern Ireland, AWARE.

The challenge, which coincides with Men's Health Week, will see the four climb 5,296m whilst covering over 1,000 miles by road and sea over the five days to raise awareness and vital funds for local mental health services – with over £8,000 raised so far!

Wayne explains, "As a result of regular socially distanced trips into the Mournes during the lockdown, we hatched a plan to take on the challenge. Being outdoors during the pandemic was such a tonic and helped reset during such a difficult time". 

"As well as the physical benefits, being in the mountains allows us to escape the stress of our modern lives for a time and disconnecting from social media enables us to re-build a connection with nature", Andrew adds.

With each having unique experiences of poor mental health, fundraising for a local mental health charity was the clear choice for the challenge:

"Having lost two close family members to suicide and a good friend and University roommate, I feel that interventions such as 'walking & talking' and strong friendships can impact lives in such a positive way. The stigma of mental health is no longer in the shadows, and organisations like AWARE play an essential role in Northern Ireland", Wayne said. 

Andrew adds, "My father was diagnosed with depression when he was in his 30s, a condition he lived with throughout his life. I have also lost a friend from University and a close work colleague to suicide, so I have seen first-hand how debilitating and devastating mental illness can be. With the pandemic continuing to impact people's mental health negatively, organisations such as AWARE must be supported as there has no doubt been an increase in demand for their services. When Mark, Operations Director at Belfast City Airport, mentioned AWARE were the Airport's chosen charity for 2022 & 2023, it seemed like a natural fit for us."

With the challenge taking place during Men's Health Week, a week dedicated to raising awareness surrounding the health issues which affect men disproportionately and also to remind men of the importance of maintaining a healthy body and mind, Jonny encourages other men to get help if they need it:

"Hopefully, what we are doing will help shine a light on mental health issues, particularly during Men's Health Week. Opening up is always tricky for men. We're constructed differently, and we still face the pressure to always be on top form. We hope by talking openly about mental health, we can encourage other men to do the same. It's important to know it's okay to address things when you don't feel 100% - the support and tools are always available if needed." 

Lisa Abell-Farrelly, Corporate Partnership Officer at AWARE, added: "We've been blown away by Andrew, Jonny, Mark and Wayne's support! As men are less likely to speak up when they are struggling, it's so important that we smash the stigma surrounding men's mental health. By opening up about their experiences and raising awareness, the guys are helping us to achieve this. We wish them well on their challenge next week!"

If you would like to support their 5 Peak Challenge, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jonnycalderwood