SOS Silence of Suicide is filled with gratitude and admiration for the remarkable team at Rock Power Connections, who recently completed the challenging Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for our charity and Scotty’s Little Soldiers. Their incredible dedication and spirit have not only helped raise vital funds but have also inspired a community-wide conversation about mental health and suicide prevention.
These are just two words chosen to describe the mammoth Three Peaks Challenge the team Rock took on.
Brutal, in 24 hours, the team battled 23 miles in three stages, a total ascent of 3064 metres, with snow, 85MPH+ winds, hail, and torrential rain.
We are proud. The team took on a selfless challenge to battle conditions beyond their control to raise an incredible amount of money for two life-changing charities: Scott’s Little Soldiers and SOS Silence of Suicide.
From the start, the team knew it would be a difficult challenge—the miserable weather conditions, the timings, traffic, ability, and fitness—but that wasn’t going to stop them raising £5255 (and counting).
The event took place over the weekend of September 13th-15th. Four teams of three set off in 5-minute intervals and started in a very wet, windy Scotland.
The first point of call was Ben Nevis, where we were all greeted by 85MPH+ winds and hail; being the tallest mountain in the UK, the team should have known it was going to test them with its conditions.
Onto Scafell Pike and the weather did not fancy changing.
Wet and miserable, the hike started around 10 p.m., and within half an hour, they found a flowing fast river that had to be crossed. The water was up to their knees, but we had to keep going!
In total darkness, the team carried on all the way to the top to reach the summit, passing other groups also undertaking the Three Peaks Challenge, which boosted morale, seeing others do such great things.
Onto Snowdon, again raining and intense winds, the final hike started. The team had one last burst of adrenaline to get it finished. At that point, the weather did not phase them, knowing they were already soaked to the bones, but knowing what a fantastic challenge the team was taking part in gave them the determination.
Finally, crossing the finish line at the Miners Track, Snowdon, the feeling was overwhelming but rewarding.
Joe Yarnall, Qualified Supervisor at Rock Power Connections and organiser of the challenge commented, “I personally couldn’t be prouder of the team. To take part in such a hard challenge in those conditions and smash the fundraising target has made me realise just how good the culture at Rock Power Connections is.
“It was a brilliant effort from all; our conditions were woeful. It was worse weather than we could’ve asked for, but the job had to get done. Thinking of those who we have lost, bereaved families or have struggled with mental health kept us determined to cross the finish line at the end.
“Thank you to everyone who supported us along the way—we couldn’t have done it without you. You were with us every step.
“Scotty’s Little Soldiers and SOS Silence of Suicide are two incredible charities, and we’re honoured that we could do something amazing to raise awareness and vital funds.
After the challenge we’ve just completed, you’d think we would’ve been put off another fundraising challenge. But no, Rock Power Connections have all agreed we would like to participate in a significant fundraising event each year, which will push us physically and mentally.”
Georgina Jones, Deputy CEO of SOS Silence of Suicide, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the staff at Rock Power Connections for their unwavering commitment to our cause. Their efforts are a testament to the power of community and the impact that we can have when we come together to support one another. We invite everyone to join us in this mission. Together, we can create a world where mental health is openly discussed, and help is always available.”
For those interested in learning more about SOS Silence of Suicide or getting involved as a fundraiser, please email events@sossilenceofsuicide.org
