Climbing Marathon for Mermaids UK
Tax deductible
Why We're Fundraising
In recent years, trans people across the UK have faced more and more of a spotlight as awareness of trans issues increases. This has led to more acceptance and understanding of the problems they face, but also to more misinformation, misunderstanding and even intolerance of trans people as time goes on. We are fundraising not just to support our beloved trans family and the good work that Mermaids does, but also to raise more awareness of the precise problems trans people in the UK (and across the world) face today.
You may know that it is technically and legally possible to transition with support from the National Health Service. However, this process is so arduous and, at times, frustrating that many trans people instead choose to go private, risking expensive medical bills, or even turn to the black market for support, risking their own health to be able to live as themselves. From years-long waiting lists even to be seen at the NHS's specialist Gender Identity Clinics to General Practitioners who openly admit they have no understanding of how to support trans patients, and consistent attempts to shut down facilities that can help with transitioning, trans healthcare in the UK is a constant uphill struggle that can lead to dangerous mental and physical health problems for many.
In this fundraising challenge, we hope we can shine a brighter light on these issues faced by our trans siblings. We may not be able to fix all the problems all at once, but we can still make a difference!
The Challenge
On 12th December our team of climbers are going to be bouldering at seven climbing gyms based all around London in under 14 hours. We're travelling from Croydon to Harrow, from Canary Wharf to Hammersmith, and from Bethnal Green to Vauxhall. We'll be starting very early in the morning, and expect to finish late at night in order to be able to climb at every centre. An average climbing session lasts around 2 hours, so we're really pushing our physical limits!
In recent years, trans people across the UK have faced more and more of a spotlight as awareness of trans issues increases. This has led to more acceptance and understanding of the problems they face, but also to more misinformation, misunderstanding and even intolerance of trans people as time goes on. We are fundraising not just to support our beloved trans family and the good work that Mermaids does, but also to raise more awareness of the precise problems trans people in the UK (and across the world) face today.
You may know that it is technically and legally possible to transition with support from the National Health Service. However, this process is so arduous and, at times, frustrating that many trans people instead choose to go private, risking expensive medical bills, or even turn to the black market for support, risking their own health to be able to live as themselves. From years-long waiting lists even to be seen at the NHS's specialist Gender Identity Clinics to General Practitioners who openly admit they have no understanding of how to support trans patients, and consistent attempts to shut down facilities that can help with transitioning, trans healthcare in the UK is a constant uphill struggle that can lead to dangerous mental and physical health problems for many.
In this fundraising challenge, we hope we can shine a brighter light on these issues faced by our trans siblings. We may not be able to fix all the problems all at once, but we can still make a difference!
The Challenge
On 12th December our team of climbers are going to be bouldering at seven climbing gyms based all around London in under 14 hours. We're travelling from Croydon to Harrow, from Canary Wharf to Hammersmith, and from Bethnal Green to Vauxhall. We'll be starting very early in the morning, and expect to finish late at night in order to be able to climb at every centre. An average climbing session lasts around 2 hours, so we're really pushing our physical limits!
Since 1995, Mermaids has worked around the clock to support thousands of transgender and gender-diverse children, young people and their families.
Today, Mermaids is one of the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ charities, and empowers thousands of people with its secure online communities, local community groups, helpline services, web resources, events and residential weekends.
Mermaids support transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse children and young people until their 20th birthday, as well as the families and professionals involved in their care. Their services offer transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse children and teens the support they need as well as the freedom to explore their gender identity.
We are a community led LGBTQIA+ climbing and social club based in London, our sister group and founders are based in Australia .
Organizer
Sophie Milligan
Organizer
England
Mermaids
Registered nonprofit
Donations eligible for Gift Aid.
