Braving icy waters and snowy conditions to scramble to the summit of Snowdon, a Lovell Homes site manager has gone to extraordinary lengths for Open Door – a mental health charity operating across Merseyside.
The team at Hamilton Wharf, the new 115-home development from Lovell Homes near Port Sunlight, has named Open Door as their chosen charity, meaning it will be the focus of the team’s ongoing fundraising efforts.
This was kick-started by assistant site manager James Parr who raised more than £550 by climbing the highest mountain in Wales and the British Isles. He was driven by a commitment to support the local community, as well as the stark reality of mental health challenges in the construction sector.
James said: “Mental health and wellbeing is something that affects every one of us – whether we are facing our own challenges or become aware of someone else struggling, the need for accessible, ongoing support cannot be underestimated. In the UK construction sector, mental health remains at crisis level for workers, with recent figures from the Chartered Institute of Building suggesting up to 28% have experienced suicidal thoughts, as well as high rates of stress, anxiety, depression and fatigue – so this is something very close to my heart.
“The team agreed we wanted to do something for the local community and to support a critically important cause. Open Door is a brilliant charity, that provides free, fast and effective mental health support without waiting lists to young people and adults so it was the perfect choice and opportunity to raise awareness and funds for their work.”
Open Door is a mental health charity based in Birkenhead. Since 2011, it has supported thousands of young people across Merseyside, using a range of innovative and unique programmes that empower people to be mentally well. The programmes have no waiting lists or lengthy referral processes, meaning that its members can access the support they need, at the time they need it the most.
Jamed added, “Snowdon was tougher than expected – especially the cold plunge and the unexpected skiing – but it is nothing compared to the challenges many people are facing every day. The climb day was one to remember, and I am already preparing for the next challenge.”
Against all the elements, James managed to raise £565 for Open Door, and the adventure isn’t over yet. In April, James will be swapping his hiking boots for a parachute as he aims high again and takes on a charity skydive to continue raising vital funds.
Imogen Healing, fundraising manager at Open Door said: “We are so grateful for the support of James with this incredible challenge, and the whole Lovell team for their ongoing efforts in raising funds and awareness for Open Door Charity. We rely on the kind support of fundraisers like this one run by James and Lovell to ensure our programmes can remain free to access for our members, and to allow us to reach even more young people in the future.”
To find out more about the charity visit: https://opendoorcharity.com/ or stay up to date with its Joy initiative, launching this June, at: https://www.wherejoylives.co.uk/
Donate towards Hamilton Wharf’s fundraiser, at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/james-parr-1?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL
Learn more about Hamilton Wharf online at [https://%20https//newhomes.lovell.co.uk/developments/hamilton-wharf/?utm_source=press+release&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=TailsofHW]https://newhomes.lovell.co.uk/developments/hamilton-wharf/ or by calling 01513 911 883.