Wigan team conquers Three Peaks for Mental Health awareness
The team successfully completed the National Three Peaks Challenge last week, a remarkable achievement in support of Mental Health Awareness Week 2025. This initiative, led by Kieran Jones, Peer Mentor Coordinator from Wigan Living Well Mental Health Service, aimed to raise funds for the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) charity.
The challenge: The team set off for Scotland on Monday 12 May, beginning their ascent of Ben Nevis on Tuesday. Over the course of the week, they climbed the highest mountains in Scotland, England, and Wales. The team walked a total distance of approximately 26 miles (42 km) and their ascent was around 3,000 meters (9,843 ft).
Ben Nevis – 1,344m (Scotland) completed in 10.5 hours
This was their hardest climb, making the team question their ability to complete the challenge. It was their first hike together, where the power of "community" shone as they supported each other. Surprisingly, they encountered snow on a hot day; two teammates made snow angels while others struggled to stay upright!
Scafell Pike – 978m (England) completed in 7 hours
With very little sleep and sore bodies, the first hour was rough, but they found a rhythm. The route was steep and technical, full of rocky steps. A mental wall was hit near the summit, but once again, the team pulled through. The views from the top were stunning and made it all worthwhile.
Snowdon/Yr Wyddfa – 1,085m (Wales) completed in 8.5 hours
By this point, the team was exhausted and missing home, having had only 7.5 hours of sleep during the trip. After a few coffees, they were ready for the final challenge. The weather was perfect, and the trail was steady. Surprisingly, they felt strong and enjoyed the hike. One member led the team to the summit of Snowdon, where they celebrated with hugs, laughter, and a café visit before descending. Some took a dip along the way, and they finished with a celebratory drink at the base before heading back to Wigan.
This challenge has been the toughest the team has ever faced, but they described their sense of achievement as overwhelming. Throughout the journey, many shared how this experience positively impacted their mental health. Their success highlights the crucial role of peer support and building a ‘community’ in mental health recovery, helping to find a sense of belonging and providing invaluable emotional support to overcome their challenges.
The funds raised from this challenge will directly benefit peer support initiatives in the Wigan Borough, making a difference in the lives of those affected by mental health issues. For more information or to donate, please visit: https://wonderful.org/fundraisers/Nl6xE
Looking ahead, the team plans to participate in a Tough Mudder challenge in July and continue with monthly hikes until Mental Health Awareness Week 2026. These ongoing activities aim to maintain the momentum of their efforts, promote physical wellbeing, and further support mental health initiatives in the community.
