On Saturday 22nd July colleagues from Esh Construction embarked on the 39.2km Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge to raise money for the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity.
The team of eight, made up of colleagues from Esh’s civil engineering division, Corporate Affairs department and some of their partners, braved the elements of the great British summer and faced torrential rain and wind as they set out to climb Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough.
More than £3,000 has now been raised as a result of the team’s efforts and all funds will go to the Lighthouse Charity.
Alan Croft, construction manager at Esh Construction, and organiser of the fundraising hike, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support, help and guidance the Lighthouse Charity provides within our industry. As a charity, they don’t simply say it, they do it! Their work ethic, care, attention, and commitment is a testament to everyone we work with at the charity. Ultimately, we completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge as we wanted to give something back to help ensure this much needed support continues into the future.”
With July 2023 recorded as the sixth dampest on record and 140.1mm of rain falling across the UK in the month, Alan commented on the conditions they endured during the hike: “The weather was atrocious, the rain was relentless all day. We started by avoiding the deep puddles and trying to keep as dry as possible, however it soon became apparent this was a pointless operation as there was not one single millimetre on us that wasn’t wet! Nevertheless, the team battled on and kept going. It was a tough challenge and wasn’t to be underestimated.”
Esh Construction has worked closely with the Lighthouse Charity over the past two years and earlier this year launched a transparent hard hat in a striking green colour which has been rolled out across sites in a bid to reduce the stigma associated with mental health. The hard hats include a QR code which directs people to support via Lighthouse’s website along with wording “it’s what’s inside the hard hat that matters”.
The charity’s Make it Visible On Site tour team has also visited some of Esh’s sites across the North East and Yorkshire. Alan added: “Recent visits from both Rob and Lee at our sites in Sunderland really ‘hit home’ how important balanced mental health is. They also served as a reminder to recognising the symptoms of poor mental health early and implementing a plan with haste. I am sure a lot of those in the room were familiar with the topics being discussed and recognised some issues in themselves.
“I am so pleased we took the time to arrange the hike, it was a great experience for an exceptional cause. We received some very generous donations from our colleagues, friends, family and supply chain which all contributed towards the total raised. Many thanks to all who contributed and volunteered.”
Bill Hill, chief executive officer at Lighthouse Charity, said: “Not only have Esh hosted our tour team and helped us spread the message of support, they have also managed a fantastic fundraising event to ensure that we can continue to support everyone in our construction community. Getting soaked through whilst climbing three mountains is a real challenge, so thank you to everyone that made the commitment and hopefully had a bit of fun on the way. Thank you again and well done to everyone involved you are superstars!”
If you would like to make a donation, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/esh-y3pchallenge
I am so pleased we took the time to arrange the hike, it was a great experience for an exceptional cause. We received some very generous donations from our colleagues, friends, family and supply chain which all contributed towards the total raised. Many thanks to all who contributed and volunteered.”
