Scaling the Peak for Men’s Mental Health: The Everest Sprint.

The Mission.

Six Climbers. Six Hours. Combined 3,484 Meters.

On Saturday 14th March, our team of six is taking on a vertical challenge that most people take weeks to complete.

We are attempting to climb the equivalent distance from Everest Base Camp to the Summit—a gruelling 3,484 meters (11,430 feet) of vertical ascent—all within a strict six-hour time limit at Alter Rock climbing centre, Derby.

Why this section?

The stretch from Base Camp to the Summit is where the real battle happens.

It represents resilience, pushing through exhaustion, and leaning on your team when the oxygen gets thin. We’ve chosen this specific distance because it mirrors the uphill battle many men face with their mental health—a climb that shouldn't be tackled alone.

The Cause.

We are raising vital funds for the UK-wide, male suicide prevention charity ANDYSMANCLUB. https://andysmanclub.co.uk #ItsOkayToTalk

Men’s mental health is a silent crisis; the mental health storms and devastating suicide events statistics are sobering.

ANDYSMANCLUB offers men a safe space on Monday evenings to pop in and talk. The aim of the club is to provide men with a safe, judgement free and non-clinical space where they feel comfortable to talk and open up about their experiences. All the UK wide clubs are staffed by unpaid volunteers.

We've chosen ANDYSMANCLUB as mental health is important to us. We have all been affected by mental health or suicide in our personal lives. As we have grown stronger together as our team of six, with our families, we realise that many men do not have anyone to talk to. We have been fortunate enough to give each other the mental belay, but we are acutely aware that others will be not so fortunate. We like to help change that in supporting this important charity.

We believe that by pushing our physical and mental limits, we can start a conversation, break the stigma, and raise the awareness and capital needed to support men. Even if it is one life, somewhere in the UK, is saved from suicide because ANDYSMANCLUB could help out then we would be so happy.

The Breakdown.

The Distance: combined total of 3,484 meters (approx' 70 climbs each).

The Team:

Climbers: Jim, Ian, Matt, James, Stuart and Raj.

Belayers: Ali, Cam, Lizzie and Ben.

Acknowledgements: Gary - Alter Rock Climbing Centre. https://www.alter-rock.co.uk/

The Pace:

To hit our goal, we need to maintain a relentless vertical pace. We will not make this easy by climbing the kiddy walls all day. We will be climbing at just below our maximum grade (5 to 6c) on top rope and lead on all routes including the main overhang wall.

We will be using our own climbing equipment and lead ropes to ensure all donations go to the charity.

How You Can Help.

Every pound donated goes directly to ANDYSMANCLUB to support their Monday evening clubs.

Your donation does not have to be big.

For a thought. A £1 can buy a cup of tea for a man who wants to talk. That chat with a volunteer could be enough so he will see the next day with a brighter outlook. If so, then all this would be worth it, and you would have made a difference.

Whether you can give the cost of a coffee or a larger sponsorship, your support is the strength that will get us to the top.

And if you do not donate, but we made you think about men's health, then reach out to a fellow brother, friend, family and man. Just by listening, you could make a difference.

Thank you for helping us reach the summit for a cause that truly matters.

Your time to read our fundraiser, donations and support are truly appreciated.