Team of 15 raises £8,000 in memory of loved ones lost to suicide

A group of 15 people has completed a mammoth fundraising challenge in memory of loved ones lost to suicide.

What began as a fundraising challenge became a weekend to remember for the Sunrise Cornwall CIC team.

The group took on the Three Peaks Challenge, climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon, and has so far raised an incredible £8,000 for the charity.

The team included Co-Founding Director Elliott, Sunrise Facilitators Nick, Mand, Cassi, Rob, Samara, Matt and Jo, and Sunrise supporters Dani, Matt, Toby, Michaela, Ross, Kev and Tobias.

Thanks to the generosity of Dash Drive, the challenge was made easier for the group as they were transported between the three mountains.

After a gruelling 15-hour journey north, the team faced brutal conditions on Ben Nevis, with poor visibility and rain making it difficult to see the path ahead. Despite the weather, they reached the summit together.

Scafell Pike brought another huge test, with winds reaching around 70 mph at the summit. Exhausted and battling the elements, the team continued to support each other and made it to the top.

Then came Snowdon and, finally, sunshine.

During their hike up their final mountain, they were joined by Co-Founder and Director Serena and Sunrise Yoga Event Leader Danielle. Together, they reached the final summit.

The Sunrise Cornwall CIC team said that the challenge "became a powerful metaphor for mental health" and described moments when the group couldn't see the summit or path ahead, with tiredness and doubt "creeping in".

However, there were moments of "tears, laughter, exhaustion and frustration", as well as moments of "friendship, encouragement and an incredible sense of togetherness".

Elliott Jolly, Co-Founder and Director of Sunrise Cornwall CIC, said: "There were moments when it was really, really hard. The weather was horrendous; we were exhausted and there were definitely times when we questioned what we'd signed ourselves up for.

"But then you remember why you were doing it. We were doing it for the people we have lost, for those left behind and for everyone who has been affected by suicide.

"The mountains became such a powerful metaphor for mental health. Sometimes you can't see the summit or path ahead and you don't know how you're going to keep going.

"But you put one foot in front of the other. You take the next step. And if you can't do it alone, somebody walks beside you."

The Three Peaks Challenge has now raised more than £8,000. Donations will support Sunrise Cornwall CIC's programme of free, safe and supportive activities and events, which are based on music, art and wellbeing and provide opportunities for connection for adults across Cornwall affected by suicide loss.

Sunrise Cornwall CIC has thanked everyone who has donated, shared and supported the challenge, as well as Dash Drive for sponsoring the minibuses and helping to make the challenge possible.

To see the fundraiser, visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/sunrise-cornwall-cic-three-peaks-challenge

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