The Duratus Mind - Ep #24 - Project Vertical - Part 1

The vertical marathon. Gaz interviews ‪@ferguscrawley95‬ and Jonny Pain before they embark on their epic quest of 32 ascents of Ben Nevis on 1/11/20 in aid of mental health and the prevention of male suicide. (Donate here: uk.movember.com/team/2317918)
42,200m elevation gain.⁣⁣
Ben Nevis x 32.⁣⁣
540km.⁣⁣
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Monotony. Dread. Loneliness. Pain. Darkness. Doubt. Fear. Fight. Shame. ⁣⁣
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Everything that this project represents, and sadly, what thousands of men suffer from in silence every single day. ⁣⁣
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This doesn’t have to be the case. ⁣⁣
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We all have our own uphill battles to face, but there is no reason for us to fight them alone. This is why Fergus Crawley is not tackling this year alone, his coach and friend, Jonathan Pain is joining him, so that they can fight through this together, in the knowledge that we are stronger together.⁣⁣
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They will be open, they will be honest, and they will be vulnerable for the sake of our own progress - as we all should be.⁣⁣
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This year, more than ever, we need to take a stand against stigma, a stance against shame, and galvanise a genuine, positive change for the sake of men everywhere. ⁣⁣
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As we try to take control of a global pandemic, we must try not to lose ourselves in the chaos. This year has flipped the world upside down, but all that can be done is control what we can, and make sure that we look after others. We have a role to play: talk more, listen more, and support one another. ⁣⁣
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They're ambitiously hoping to raise £47,132 to take his cumulative total to £100k, and can only get there with your help.⁣⁣
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So please share far and wide, donate where you can, and most importantly, start those conversations that could save your life, or that of another...⁣⁣ Details on how you can be more directly involved to follow!⁣⁣
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Some people will call this insane, foolish, potentially worse... But you know what’s truly insane? The fact that so many men choose death over honesty.⁣⁣
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Take it from someone who’s been there - be a man of more words, as talking saves lives.⁣⁣
#CLIMBYOUROWNMOUNTAIN
DONATE HERE: uk.movember.com/team/2317918 ⁣⁣

[@no_excuses]

What a brilliant way to shine the focus on men's mental health during a year where COVID has changed many livelihoods. I'll be supporting the cause through my donation and I'm happy to spread the word to promote your goal. The Samaritans website quotes total suicide figures of 6859 in 2018. Male suicide consistently accounting for approximately three-quarters of this figure with ages 45-49 increasing in numbers.

[@DuratusUK]

Thank you as ever Keri. They are indeed shining a light on an increasingly worrying issue.

[@ioanparry]

UNBELIEVABLE ATTEMPT!! Really creative idea, and I think the message behind it is fantastic and much needed. More openness is needed, badly. Another great discussion with more fascinating guys!

[@DuratusUK]

Well said! Two top dudes doing their best to raise awareness and make a difference.

[@ness7409]

What they are doing is amazing. I will definitely follow their progress and will donate and share.

[@DuratusUK]

It really is a huge challenge. Thank you for your support.

[@andrewwalsh8860]

Brilliant! Will be following these guys come 01/11/2020

[@DuratusUK]

Excellent! Thank you for any support.