A group of friends will finish a year-long fundraising effort in the Isle of Man next month, with support from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.
David Glover, Brendan Storch and James Beasley, from the Hull and Beverley areas of the UK, have taken on a series of challenges to raise money for mental health charity MIND in memory of close friend Rob Brown, who died in June last year aged 27.
Over the last year the challenges have included running 1,000 miles and travelling to Auckland, New Zealand, to take part in the State Harbour Crossing Swim, climb the Harbour Bridge and complete the Sky Tower Skywalk and Skyjump.
The final part of the fundraising effort will begin on June 13th, when the three head to Wales to try out Europe’s longest zip line. From there they will travel straight to Liverpool to sail to the Isle of Man, with their travel costs supported by the Steam Packet Company.
The next day, they will finish their marathon in memory of Rob by ascending Snaefell.
David explained: ‘When Rob was with us, we started on the Six Peaks Challenge, to climb the six highest peaks in the British Isles, and Snaefell was the only one the four of us didn’t do.
‘After he died, we decided to spend the next year raising money for MIND and it seemed fitting to finish the effort with the one summit we hadn’t been able to reach.
‘We are doing all of this in memory of Rob Brown, the best buddy anyone could ever have. It'll be pretty emotional doing it without Rob, but it's for a great cause and in his memory.’
David added: ‘I’d like to thank everyone who has donated money so far, and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for its generosity in helping us get to the Island so we could complete our challenge for Rob and MIND.’
Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘When David approached us for assistance, we were pleased to be able to help. He, Brendan and James have put in a tremendous amount of effort in the past year in memory of their friend and to raise money for the important work of MIND.
‘I’m delighted we’ve been able to play our part in ensuring this marathon effort has a fitting end, with the ascent of Snaefell, and wish them all the best.’
Photograph: (from left) James Beasley, Brendan Storch, Rob Brown and David Glover. James, Brendan and David are raising money for charity MIND in memory of Rob, who died last year.
