A GROUP of four fitness enthusiasts from Newport scaled new heights for two mental health charities.

On Friday, January 18, Sunhealth Gym saw the start of a 24-hour rope climbing event which had been organised in support of Newport Samaritans and Mental Health Muscle.

The team of fundraisers was made up of, Steve Donovan, Kim O'Neill, Robert Powell and Chris Peacock.

 

The team were attempting to complete one metre of climbing for every person who took their own life in the UK and the Republic of Ireland in 2017. Figures released by Newport Samaritans show that this number stands at 6,213.

The four climbers were hoping to scale the 6,213 metres in a 24-hour period. That is the equivalent of more than four and half times the height of Ben Nevis in a single day.

The climb got under way at 10am on Friday, January 18 and ended at 10am the following morning.

It seems that the time limit and tiredness weren’t as much of a problem as some of us mere mortals might have expected.

 

The team smashed through their target height, going on to complete 7,100 metres of climbing during the 24 hours. This equates to more the double the height of Britain’s Three Peaks, Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike, put together.

The event was been arranged to highlight the work carried out by both the Samaritans and Mental Health Muscle.

Steve Donovan, who was part of the climbing team, said: “Working with Mental Health Muscle, we’re mindful of the fact that for some people, getting into the gym can be quite daunting.

“One of the benefits of fitness is that it helps you mentally as well.

“We’re trying to help people get out and let off some steam. They can come along to the gym and find something they really enjoy.

“People asked us “what happens if you reach 6,000 odd climbs early?”. We told them “we’re just going to keep on climbing”.”

The Samaritans are a national charity which support people struggling with their mental health. Their volunteers are on hand 24/7 to listen and are available on 116123 throughout the UK.

 

A spokesperson for the Samaritans said: “At Samaritans we are always here for someone to talk to, round the clock every single day of the year.

“Every six seconds someone calls us, but without public donations and funds raised from events such as this inspiring rope challenge our Newport's Samaritans branch would not be able to stay open.

“Every metre climbed on this rope challenge represents a person's life lost last year. Please support this event to help our Newport Samaritans branch stay open for people who need to talk to someone in the future."

 

There is still time to donate, search 24 Hour Rope Climb for Mental Health Muscle Ltd on Facebook.