A group of 140 travelled to the Welsh peak on Saturday 17th September with the aim of reaching the summit – all the while raising funds for the Stockport Branch of Beautiful Minds, an organisation that looks to support those affected by mental health issues.
The trip was arranged in memory of former student David Marsden, who tragically passed away in 2019, aged just 22 years old. His sister Charlene contacted the school to see if we would be in getting involved in a project to raise awareness and much-needed funds for local charities who help those struggling with their own mental health.
Assistant Principal Mrs Milnes, who organised the trip, said: “This has been an unforgettable experience and I am so proud of everyone involved, not just for raising a phenomenal amount of money for a brilliant cause, but also for showing their resilience and strength to complete an incredibly demanding physical challenge.”
In addition to gaining sponsorship from family and friends, several local companies also generously offered their support. These included:
- Stateside Foods, who donated £1,000 to help provide coaches for the trip
- Angela Beer UK, who donated £250
- TDG Contracts, who donated £250
- Turner’s Flooring, who donated £250
- John Mellor Estate Agents, who donated £200.
Our student newsletter reporters visited the headquarters of Beautiful Mind before the climb, interviewing representatives of the charities involved. They produced the following report:
Our young reporters from Scoop magazine visited the base of Beautiful Minds in Stockport to talk to representatives from the four charity groups working together against suicide.
120 students and 20 staff and volunteers are walking up Snowdon in a sponsored climb with the Beautiful Minds group to raise funds and awareness.
The group is based at Xenos Haven on Buxton Road, Stockport where alternative treatments, peer support, a quiet space and mediation area are available for those seeking support with mental health issues.
The charities are:
- Open Minds Stockport
- Once Upon a Smile
- Andy’s Man Club
- Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide
All sponsorship money raised by Stockport Academy will be shared out to charity work in Stockport.
Principal Mrs McCann said: “It is our mission as a school to ensure that every student leaves us with all the tools required to become a young adult who can make a positive contribution to their local community, with compassion and a desire to help those less fortunate than themselves.
“I would like to thank everyone involved – from our students and staff to sponsors, families and everyone in the community who has pulled together to make this project such an overwhelming success.”