30 climbers take on Lake District challenge to help fatherless boys
A TEAM of 30 fundraisers will head to the Lake District to embark on a course for a cause.
The climbers will attempt the daunting 24 Peaks challenge next month, looking to cover 30 miles and climb 10,000ft in just 24 hours.
Each climber has been tasked to raise £1,000 in aid of Chapter 2, a charity which supports fatherless boys across Reading through mentoring. The challenge will fittingly take place on Father’s Day.
The organisation’s chair of trustees Dr Richard Kay is set to participate with his 14-yearold son and identifies fatherless boys as particularly at risk.
“There’s two main reasons why we focus on this demographic,” he explained.
“The first main issue is that they suffer significant disadvantages for their future prospects. Fatherlessness can give rise to antisocial behaviour, failing academically, adverse health conditions and even suicide.”
“Secondly, it’s become increasingly common. One in two 15-year-olds don’t live with both parents and 92% of those live with their mum.”
Dr Kay also highlighted the inauspicious effects the issue can have on the wider community.
“The cost of fatherlessness is massive,” he said. “Support services are required to intervene, schools and, in some cases, prison too.
“It all costs money.”
The absence of positive male role models is the root of the problem, but can also be part of the solution.
Chapter 2 mentors offer vulnerable children a point of stability in often tumultuous lives.
“Our mentorship looks to create long-term, trusting friendships with good men,” Dr Kay said.
“You don’t need to be an experienced youth worker to mentor, we’re just looking for good men, who can offer their time.”
Prospective mentors can register their interest through the charity’s website, with successful applicants receiving role-specific training.
For now, though, the climbers are conducting their own training in preparation for the challenge. The team includes experienced endurance runners and first-time climbers alike.
“Everyone is training to a degree, it’d be foolish not to,” Dr Kay said. “At the moment, my son and I are doing runs and leg conditioning exercises.”
Last year, the group completed the Welsh 3000s challenge, raising over £7,500 for Chapter 2.
With more than 60 children on the waiting list, funds raised through donations will help expand the organisation’s provision through mentor recruitment, support and training.