FOUR friends are to take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge, three times, in three days to raise money for the charity Leeds Mind.

Pete Healey, Anil Mander, Graeme Bevington and Dave Healey are also taking on the challenge in memory of their friend Stoney who was well known in Ilkley and sadly took his own life last May. As well as raising money they also want to raise awareness of men’s mental health.

Pete said: “Last year we raised over £8,000 for Mind and this year the four of us are doing another challenge, not only to raise funds for Leeds Mind, but predominantly to raise awareness around men’s mental health. Given this year’s exceptionally difficult times during the Coronavirus pandemic, there will likely be an increase in mental health related illnesses and we as a group want to highlight that it's okay not to be okay and people shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help.

“When we did the Dales Way last year it was in honour of our friend Stoney whose 35th birthday it would have been this week. We couldn’t help him as much as we wanted to, but we want to help others by raising awareness and funds for Leeds Mind and the amazing work that they do in supporting mental health.”

The challenge takes place on Friday, August 7 to Sunday, August 9.

Pete added: “We’ll complete Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough not once but three times each, covering a total of just short of 74 miles.

“It will be tough, but not as tough as for those facing their own challenges.

“Suicide is the single most common cause of death for men between 20-49 years old in the UK, and if we can help one person to open up about their mental health and seek help then we will have done our part.”

If you would like to contribute to the fundraising visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/3peaks-3times-3days?utm_id=27)

You can also follow the team on their Instagram account: 3peaks.3times.3days

The money will all go the Leeds Mind a charity whose aim is to help people build on their strengths, overcome obstacles and become more in control of their lives.

A charity spokesperson said: “We have faith and optimism in our clients and the services we deliver are built around what they need.We support people to discover their own resources to ‘recover’ and live independently.”

For more information about Leeds Mind and the services they offer visit: www.leedsmind.org.uk/