A mountain to climb raising money for mental health

Students at a school in Westergate have been busy working hard to raise funds and awareness for a men’s mental health charity.

Ormiston Six Villages Academy male students have undertaken several activities including running challenges, swimathons and a mountain climb to help raise money for StrongMen, a charity focusing on supporting men that are struggling with their mental health because of a bereavement.

Reaching almost £5,000 already, the school had set an initial target of £1,000. The academy chose StrongMen to help raise awareness of mental health struggles with young males and encourage students to seek support where they need it.

The funds raised will help the charity’s ongoing support, including; peer to peer telephone support so men can reach out for help; free counselling for those that require additional support; talks where men learn and discuss about the journey to overcome grief, and weekenders where men can adventure into the outdoors to develop a sense of brotherhood and share their experiences in a safe environment.

Organiser and Head of the PE department at Ormiston Six Villages Academy, Mr Dacombe said: “Our students have been undertaking a variety of different physical challenges to encourage them to seek experiences that will develop a connection to their mental wellbeing and physical exercise, culminating in the first ‘OSVA Weekender’ where they attended a residential to Snowdonia.”

“The students camped at a lakeside venue to get them out in the remote and beautiful countryside of Snowdonia. They participated in archery, axe throwing, bushcraft, team building challenges and then hiked to the summit of Snowdon.”

“This was an amazing opportunity for our boys to develop their own brotherhood and be involved in an experience that encourages community and develops a sense of belonging that is often a challenge for boys in the modern world.”

Students at the school were also praised for their hard work ethic and great behaviour by the providers at Snowdonia. A spokesperson for The Mountain Girl said: “I was genuinely impressed by the attitude, behaviour, and enthusiasm shown by all the boys throughout the trip. They were a credit to themselves, and to you and your team. It is clear that a great deal of work goes into supporting and developing them, and that really shone through over the course of the weekend.”

Other activities which have helped raise funds include Year 9 students, Will and Jacob who completed a 5k Parkrun and Jasper and Alby who smashed their 5k runs. Year 8 student, Jack went on to complete his first 10k run while Year 9 Leon, along with his dad participated in a 5k inflatable challenge. On their bikes, Alfie cycled 50 miles from London to Brighton and Noah who cycled 50 miles home from Winchester also helped raise funds as well as Edward in year 8 who got a 5km swimathon result in just 1 hour 28

minutes at Arundel Lido. Will, a former student also got involved by completing a 5k Mud Monster challenge but also got his younger brother and current Year 9 student Tom and their mum involved!

Principal at Ormiston Six Villages Academy, Mr Slaughter said “Every one of these students has shown determination, compassion and courage. By stepping outside their comfort zone, they are not only raising money but also helping to break down the stigma around men’s mental health.

“We are incredibly proud of what they have achieved and the message they are sending to others.” To donate, please visit: OSVA Snowdon Climb 2026 – JustGiving