Mental health charity set for fundraising hike in Peak District

A Tameside mental health charity is raising funds for their own projects and others by completing a hike from Edale up to Kinder Scout and back.

The Richmond Fellowship is a mental health charity with three 24hr Supported Houses in Tameside - including two in Hyde and one in Audenshaw. 

They are being supported by Beexpeditions who are a year old Manchester-based company committed to helping people from all sectors of society to enjoy the outdoors and the mental health benefits it brings.

Team Sparky, a group of service users and staff aim to raise at least £350 to help towards extra activities such as gardening, redecoration and outdoor pursuits. They will also give 10 per cent to another local mental health charity of the team’s choice.

Julie Wood (pictured), Community Links Adviser, said that the challenge in itself is a big thing for people and it will help those who have been stuck indoors most of the summer due to Covid-19. 

“Covid-19 has especially hit people suffering mental health problems and so we want to show support for people in their efforts to provide for activities which may be crucial in the autumn and winter,” said Julie.

“We not only want to help ourselves but also another small charity. These charities have done an enormous amount of work especially since the pandemic and deserve our contribution." 

The Kinder Challenge is on September 26 and is a six-and-a half miles hike.

If you would like to support the group, head to https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SparkyTameside.