Six Derby locals are raising money for charity by taking on a climbing challenge on, Saturday, 14 March, where they will climb 3,484 metres (The distance from Everest base camp to the summit) in just six hours.
The Monday ascent club have a GoFundMe page accepting donations, Andys Man Club, a charity that supports mens mental health.
“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.”
Ian one of the climbers explained, “We help each other out when we are climbing, and we wanted to be able to do that for other men who are of similar age and facing similar challenges.”
Jim said.” We realise we are lucky to have each other and wanted to do something for those that maybe aren’t as lucky as us and don’t have someone to talk to.”
This is why they settled on Andy’s Man Club charity.
James said: “The ambition was to raise £500 and we have now exceeded that and are now aiming to keep upping the target.”
The total money currently raised for the charity stands at £3299, nearly surpassing the ascent the group will take on tomorrow.
The group are overwhelmed with the support, with Raj saying: “All we initially wanted was a pound donation as that pound can buy a box of teabags for a local Andy’s Man Club and that cup of tea can be given to a man and can start a conversation.”
Matt spoke about the local support: “It is quite humbling how this has escalated, not just from financial support but the people getting involved, including belayers, nutritional teams, and university students providing physio help and pushing our message further.”
The group are ready to take on this challenge, armed with a tin of scones from Ian’s wife and Raj’s mum bringing midday treats and support.
Andy’s Man Club Midlands Area Lead Chris McMinn explained his goals for the Midlands: “to set up an Andy’s Man Club within a 45-minute drive of everyone who wants to access their services.”
He said:” The money raised will significantly benefit clubs across the Midlands through sending out an awful lot of tea, coffee and biscuits on a Monday night as we don’t charge for anything and our services are completely free to access.”
Chris said: “Although we offer dedicated services for men, women are our biggest supporters, whether it’s getting in touch for a loved one or spreading the message.”
Since coronavirus Andy’s Man Club has grown from 50 to 300 clubs across the country.
To seek help from Andy’s Man Club, you can visit their website https://andysmanclub.co.uk/ or email them at [email protected] to find out about clubs in the area and ask any questions.
Chris iterated:” When he first attended an Andy’s Man Club, it was the best thing that he ever did .”
“We have a lot of growth to come, and by reaching that one man, that one person, through events like these, then they have done an amazing job.”
To support the Monday Ascent Club in their charity challenge on Saturday, you can visit their GoFundMe page here.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/c2za4-andys-man-club
