3 Peers 3 Peaks Challenge
Following on from the movement themed Mental Health Awareness Week in May 2024, Peer Mentors Kieran Jones, Megan Dobie and Chris Stirrup, have set a target to climb three National Peaks by May 2025, in time for next year's Mental Health Awareness Week.
Over the next ten months, Kieran, Megan and Chris will be planning hikes and events to prepare to climb the three peaks. The aim of the ‘3 Peers 3 Peaks Challenge’ is to promote the Peer Mentor Role and target staff well-being while raising awareness and funds for a local charity.
The team are running a competition as part of the fundraiser, for a donation fee of £10, you can guess how many miles all three peers will accumulate over the 10-month period, including the main event. The winner will pick the charity that the raised funds will be donated to.
A training plan is in place, and the peers would love for more GMMH staff and supporters to get involved in these training hikes and/or events.
They would also be grateful to hear from anyone who has experience of leading walks, it would be great to utilise our network rather than the expense of hiring an external organisation for this.
To find out about joining any of the hikes / training events please contact Kieran Jones - kieran.jones@gmmh.nhs.uk
Please also contact Kieran if you can offer any support with leading any of the walks.
Watch the video below to learn more about the ‘3 Peers 3 Peaks Challenge’ from Kieran, Megan and Chris.
Find updates on the ‘3 Peers 3 Peaks Challenge’ below.
3 Peers 3 Peaks Challenge Podcast - Episode Two
The 3 Peers 3 Peaks challenge has gone from strength to strength since launching last October. With Kieran, Chris and Megan galvanising not only other colleagues at GMMH, but a range of local businesses and charities to take part and support them in raising awareness of mental health and our peer support network.
With Mental Health Awareness Week right around the corner, Deepak Agnihotri (Director of Allied Health Professionals at GMMH) and Jack Doherty (Owner of Suits U Fitness gym) caught up with Pam Womack (Recovery Academy Digital Learning Resources Officer) to share their motivations for getting involved in the National 3 Peaks Challenge, how the participants on the training walks quickly bonded and became their own ‘walking’ community, and how it's good to 'walk and talk.'
Watch the latest episode below:
Three Peaks Challenge Video Podcast Part 3
Overview:
The team embarked on a 3-day journey to climb the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales—Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa—covering 26 miles (42 km) and ascending roughly 3,000 meters (9,843 ft), with 22 hours of travel between the peaks.
Ben Nevis (Scotland) – 1,344m
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Time: 10.5 hours
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Highlights: Most physically and mentally demanding. First full-team hike with a steep learning curve. Snow on a hot day added surprise and humour.
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Reflection: Challenging but rewarding; strong sense of community and support.
Scafell Pike (England) – 978m
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Time: 7 hours
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Highlights: Started with little rest. Steep, rocky terrain. Mental fatigue near the summit, but team spirit prevailed.
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Reflection: Tough but beautiful; camaraderie and perseverance stood out.
Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa (Wales) – 1,085m
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Time: 8.5 hours
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Highlights: Final and most enjoyable hike. Great weather, fighter jet sightings, and even a Spider-Man encounter!
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Reflection: A personal high point; Kieran led the team to the summit and the group celebrated with joy and reflection.
Final Thoughts:
Despite exhaustion and minimal sleep, the challenge was a powerful journey of resilience, teamwork, and personal growth. The shared experience left lasting memories and strengthened bonds.
The group were raising funds for the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust Charitable Fund .
The Recovery Academy caught up with Kieran after the Challenge and you can watch the final podcast in the series here:
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