We’ve had some amazing people take on some awe-inspiring challenges over the past few weeks, and we really can’t thank them enough for their support, especially at this difficult time. Here’s what some of our intrepid fundraisers have been up to:
The Three Peaks Challenge
The well-known Three Peaks Challenge was recently completed by fundraiser James Penny and a group of his friends. The challenge consists of 24 miles, three peaks, and takes approx. 12 hours to complete. Starting at the stunning Ribblehead Viaduct, the Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside are among the best-known hills in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
After multiple training walks, and many aches & pains the team completed the gruelling challenge in what can only be described as “pretty tough” conditions.
Not only have their smashed their original target by raising an incredible £13,050, this experience has brought the group of friends even closer which in itself is priceless.
Naakesha Michl’s alternative Half Ironman
On the 28th June Naakesha should have been taking part in a Half ironman, but as with many events this year this sadly wasn’t to be.
Not letting Covid-19 stop her, Naakesha decided to take on the challenge in a revised format, from home!
Naakesha said
Mental health is a topic that is very close to my heart: it is no secret that, despite my confident and outgoing personality, I suffered badly with anxiety as a teenager and in my early 20s. At the time, no one except family knew, as I learnt to mask it and function at a high level regardless. Living through those times and hiding what was really going on was torturous, and it need not have been. As I got older, I realised that it wasn’t a healthy or effective way to live and sought help from family, friends and professionals. I now understand that speaking about mental health, and encouraging others to do so too, is the best way to help other people. For this reason, I am going to complete my half ironman distance event in the format below, using this as an opportunity to promote and raise money for Leeds Mind:
Seven Half Marathons in Seven Days for Breaking the Silence
The recent pandemic has given fundraiser Cameron time to think and reflect about what is important in his life. Cameron is a huge advocate for mental health and the importance of everyone being equal and being kind.
Given his passion for exercise, Cameron set himself the challenge of running seven half marathons in seven days raising funds for Leeds Mind and the UK Black Lives Matter Campaign.
After multiple training walks, and many aches & pains the team completed the gruelling challenge in what can only be described as “pretty tough” conditions.
Not only have their smashed their original target by raising an incredible £13,050, this experience has brought the group of friends even closer which in itself is priceless.
Cameron says
Mental Health is an extremely big issue in this world, and I believe there are many people out there that need help and support. Secondly, the Black Lives Matter campaign is an extremely important issue going on this world and I believe no matter your ethnicity or race we should all be treated equally in this world with the most amount of kindness and happiness and I want to help the people that are constantly being mistreated because of the colour of their skin.
Cameron’s challenge started on Saturday 20th June to coincide with the campaign “Breaking the Silence”, of which his uncle is co-founder. “Breaking the Silence” was formed 6 years ago in Canada following the loss of a close friend and to honour his memory,
Due to restrictions imposed by Covid-19 the decision was made to make the event virtual so people all over the world could join the campaign and walk/run in their own time and respecting current restrictions.
To find out more about Breaking the Silence, please visit: https://breakingthesilence.com/
Cameron raised a fantastic £2466 and we can’t thank him enough for choosing to support Leeds Mind and the BLM Campaign.
2-metre portrait challenge
Local photographer Joe Miles has been raising funds for Leeds Mind during the pandemic has by taking on the 2 metre portrait challenge in his local area of Calverley, Leeds. Joe has been taking amazing socially distanced family portraits and has raised £440 for Leeds Mind so far. Thank you so much for your support, Joe!
To take a look at some of his work please visit his Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/joedmiles or email imagecapture@mac.com
