Toby, Callum and Rob will be taking on The Ben in June with fingers crossed for great weather... maybe not, but if the funds we can raise make even a small impact it will be worth it.

The Charity we are raising money for is Community Led Initiatives Bedford, They are a Lived experience organisation that supports people who are affected by Addiction, Homelessness and mental health issues.

Lived experience organisations basically mean that they operate a peer led support system, These are all volunteers who have themselves experienced any or all of these issues and can now gain an oppurtinity to give back by becoming part of this peer-led support system.

I am probably not doing what they do justice there but from my own experience, They are heroes. My Dad spent years and years suffering with severe mental health issues and addiction, He went through countless counselling programs and various other methods to deal with these issues and despite everyone trying their best it never seemed to achieve very much.

Once he had moved to Bedford and came into CLI's hands the difference in him over a very short period of time was so special to see, The way they work with people as a family of volunteers who have been there themselves and encourage a confidence in yourself that hadn't been there for such a long time.

A confidence that meant not only did my Dad start making some serious progress in his battle but also started to work with them to help others starting their journey with CLI. It was inspiring to hear from my Dad what he was doing with them.

It was an unbeliveable kick in the teeth to say the least when he was taken from us just as he started to make real steps forward but i will forever be greatful to CLI for giving me one my most treasured memories, The last time i saw him before he passed away was the closest to his old self he had been for years, This was entireley from the support and purpose he was given by CLI and i wish he had been given the chance to continue what he started with them, He made me so proud and i hope that by doing this I can at least go some way to carrying that on in his honour.