Ryan and his colleagues at one of our valued corporate partners, Henry Boot, took part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for Place2Be and The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity.

During the challenge, Ryan and his colleagues raised over £5,000 for Place2Be. This is enough to provide 92 one-to-one sessions between a child and a Place2Be counsellor. Here, Ryan shares his experience and advice for anyone considering taking on their own fundraising challenge.

What made you decide to do the Three Peaks Challenge with your colleagues?

It was actually my second time doing the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. Last time, I majorly underestimated the challenge element. A few years on, I really wanted to do it again to raise vital funds for both fantastic charities we supported. The event really suited us as a team as it gave us the chance to get together, away from the workplace setting, and really push ourselves.

As a construction company, we are acutely aware of the worrying statistics around mental health in the industry. We have a real focus on highlighting the ongoing challenges we face.

Why do you think supporting children’s mental health is important?

As a dad to two young children myself, I’m very conscious of the challenges they currently face and are going to face in the future. Over the past few years, with the pandemic, children and young people have had to face a generational challenge. This is bound to have some effect on our young people.

The landscape is always changing. We need to constantly adapt to how we look after children’s and young people’s mental health so they can face challenges head-on. For example, the emergence of social media and everything that comes along with this.

I think it is vital that we keep the conversations open with children on how they are feeling as they face turbulent times before they reach adulthood.

Is there any advice you’d give to a child or young person struggling with their mental health?

Please just reach out, as difficult as this may seem, whether you want to speak to a friend, a family member, a teacher or an organisation like Place2Be. There is a lot of support available to help.

You are not alone in how you are feeling. Opening up is a great way to take some pressure off yourself.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to get involved in supporting children’s and young people’s mental health? Do you have tips to help them fundraise?

Go out and find something that sparks your imagination. There are fundraising activities for everyone, and fundraising is inclusive. I would recommend challenging yourself, as you will get a great buzz from the final result. The great cause will give you an extra bit of motivation.

Some people complete solo activities, but we decided on a team event. We found this particularly rewarding to share our achievements together as a group. It was a great exercise for team building.

Any other points that you’d like to share?

My advice would be to not put any pressure on yourself to raise a certain amount. By beginning your fundraising, you are already making a difference and remember to enjoy your activity!

Raising awareness of causes such as Place2Be is just as important as the funds. But you may be surprised with what you are capable of when you are supporting a brilliant charity.

Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is a 24-mile round trip and includes 1585m of ascent. The challenge includes climbing the following peaks in under 12 hours:

• Pen-y-Ghent 
• Whernside
• Ingleborough.

Does Ryan's story inspire you?

If you want to walk or trek for Place2Be, like Ryan and his colleagues, take a look at our Walking and trekking challenges or download our fundraising pack.

Trek for Place2Be today