Three individuals from Basingstoke, Adam Davies, Mark Davenport, and Alex Rawson, are taking on a daring climb up Ben Nevis with a noble purpose in mind. These long-time friends, who bonded at a local gymnastics club twenty years ago, are determined to shed light on the challenges faced by men’s mental health and encourage others to seek assistance. Equipped with protective gear, including knee pads, and accompanied by a first aider, they are scaling the mountain to raise funds for the charity Men’s Minds Matter. The climbers have been documenting their progress through live streams on popular social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.
Adam Davies, a former member of Team GB’s gymnastics team, has shared on his fundraising page that all three climbers have experienced their fair share of mental health struggles. Their personal experiences have convinced them of the importance of raising awareness and supporting those in need. Mark Davenport added that their unique challenge stands out and hopes it will resonate with people, encouraging them to seek the help they require. Throughout their journey, the climbers have endured physical pain, with Alex Rawson expressing his “pure pain” and stating that this would likely be his final mountain ascent. However, he emphasized that while physical pain is temporary, emotional pain can persist for much longer.
The climbers have invested considerable effort into their training, even practicing at home. This dedication has not gone unnoticed by Rawson’s four-year-old son, Austin, who has found the whole process rather perplexing. Despite the challenges and pain they have encountered, the men are unwavering in their determination to reach the summit of Ben Nevis and fulfill their mission of raising awareness for men’s mental health.
In summary, Adam Davies, Mark Davenport, and Alex Rawson are embarking on a challenging climb up Ben Nevis to raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health. Their journey serves as an inspiration for others to open up about their struggles and seek the support they need. Despite the physical pain they have endured, their resolve remains strong as they strive to conquer the mountain and make a positive impact on mental health awareness.