Two members of the DoorCo team – Lucy Daniels & Mark Towers – have signed up to be Kelly’s Heroes, taking on the challenge to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in September to help support that charity’s work in raising mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Mark Towers tells us more about the challenge: “DoorCo has always been supportive of the charity, and it has been the focus of our fundraising for a number of years. This year, Dan Sullivan (MD) is taking on the cycle challenge across the Pyrenees. I wanted to do my bit but I am not a cyclist. The Kilimanjaro challenge suits me better because it is walking, and although I anticipate it to be really tough, it should be attainable for all levels of fitness and age. Being part of a team with a shared goal who will support each other, and the stunning scenery will help us along to way, too. I have heard the hotels on the mountain are not 5* though, which could be difficult!
“Of course, raising awareness of the mental health challenges we hear more and more about, particularly in the younger generation, is the biggest incentive. I have been fortunate to not have lost anyone close to suicide, but I have children in their early 30’s and we are now more aware of the challenges that they face, which we may not have had to. Having a charity like Kelly’s Heroes available to for anyone to access is important, as you never know when one of your own family may need help.
“I am not the fittest person in the world and trying to build up the stamina to achieve our goal of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on the Machame Route in 6 days, is a challenge in itself. I am very aware that we are representing a great charity and that we are asking for sponsorship money, so I do not want to let the team or the charity down.
“My training at the moment is building stamina on hikes around the woodland and moors (with large hills – not mountains) close to my home. I am about to sign up to the gym and the team are also planning organised hikes before we depart.”
Lucy Daniels adds: “Trekking up Kilimanjaro is most definitely not something you turn down if you have the chance – I am 100% up for the challenge! It’s something I never thought I would have the chance to do so I am really going to make the most of the experience. Like Mark, I am most looking forward to the views and the memories we’ll make, but I am dreading the cold!
“For me, it’s also all about the charity. Kelly’s Heroes is such a great cause and the help they provide is nothing short of amazing. Challenges like these are a great reminder that charities are reliant on donations and fundraising events to continue their amazing work.
“The work Kelly’s Heroes does is incredible. Mental Health is still a taboo subject for many people. We need to encourage people to speak up more to enable support from those around us. Kelly’s Heroes does a great job with spreading the message that ‘It’s Ok not to be Ok’. More people suffer with mental health than we realise and even those who seem happiest can have their struggles. The charity offers both educational courses and personal help for those in need, providing a ‘Listening Ear’ 7 days a week on their website for those struggling.
“For my training, I am lucky to live in the Peak District and I have plenty of routes to walk with the dog – Snowdon, Scafell Pike & the Yorkshire peaks are all scheduled in the diary. Alongside this I do CrossFit 5x per week to keep as fit as possible.” Lucy & Mark are working hard to build up their fitness and raise awareness of their upcoming challenge. Please support them if y
