Pals from Stotfold and Potton tackle Scafell Pike raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention

Hiking partners Emily, of Potton and Hariot, of Stotfold, will be hiking Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, on Tuesday (February 17) in aid of The OLLIE Foundation which is dedicated to preventing suicide and improving mental health awareness, particularly among young people.

Said Emily: “The inspiration behind this fundraiser is that we’ve both always been passionate about the outdoors and hiking, and from my past experiences with battles of mental health we thought it would be a great idea to piece the two together to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around the topic, suicide especially.

"This will be a huge challenge for us, but we truly believe it will be worth every step.

"It’s hard to speak up, which is why we have chosen The OLLIE Foundation as they help to educate people to notice the signs of struggle."

The OLLIE Foundation was set up in memory of Ollie, a young man whose loss inspired the charity. The foundation provides resources, support, and training to help individuals, families, and communities recognise the signs of mental health struggles and intervene early.

Their work is focused on education, peer support, and practical tools that save lives.

Emily explained suicide rates in the UK are at their highest in 25 years, with over 6,000 lives lost each year. Of these, around 10 per cent are under 25, while the majority – roughly 40 to 45 per cent – are middle-aged and older adults.

Added Emily: “This cause is deeply personal to me. I’ve faced my own struggles with mental health and have seen friends and loved ones go through similar challenges. Mental health affects so many of us, yet it’s still not spoken about enough.

“By completing this hike, we aim to reduce stigma around mental health and suicide, allowing people to feel safe and comfortable to come forward for support."

"I hope to raise awareness, encourage open dialogue, and support The OLLIE Foundation in their vital work. No one should feel alone, and every donation brings us closer to a world where mental health is taken seriously, and help is available to everyone who needs it.”

Anyone wanting to support the challenge can donate to the JustGiving page which has so far raised £940.