Over £7k Raised in Donations for The Climb From Darkness
Posted by: electime 15th May 2025
On Sunday, 11th May 2025, a dedicated group of industry experts, podcast hosts, and mental health advocates embarked on a powerful journey during the early hours to raise awareness for mental health in the construction industry. “The Climb from Darkness” involved a challenging ascent of Mount Snowdon through the darkness to reach the summit at sunrise.
Organised by tradesperson Russell Payne, the climb symbolised the climb from mental health darkness, shining a light on mental ill health experienced by those in the trades. The event aimed to raise funds for Project 7k – The Lost City, an initiative by On The Tools in collaboration with Band of Builders and Construction Sport, which seeks to provide life-saving therapy sessions for thousands of tradespeople across the UK.
The construction industry has a suicide rate four times the national average (ONS 2024), highlighting the urgent need for mental health support within the sector. The funds raised through Climb from Darkness will contribute to the £2.5 million target set by Project 7k – The Lost City, ensuring that tradespeople have access to the mental health resources they need.
Participants shared their experiences of the climb, including Influencer Partner at On The Tools, John Reece:
“I achieved a lot with this climb. My legs nearly gave up on the way down, but the experience, the views, and especially the camaraderie made it something really special. I was also able to pay tribute to my sister, who struggled with her mental health – this was for her too.”
Lee Wilcox, Co-founder and CEO of On The Tools said:
“We’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved with Climb From Darkness. Hitting—and surpassing—the £7,000 target isn’t just a fundraising milestone, it’s a statement. It shows that when the trade community comes together, we can tackle the mental health crisis head-on. This is about real impact—helping real people. Events like this are a crucial part of our mission to fund free therapy sessions for 7,000 tradespeople across the UK. And this is just the start.”
As of the event, the JustGiving page for Climb From Darkness has raised £7,448, with donations continuing to support the cause. The success of the event reinforces the importance of community-driven initiatives in addressing mental health challenges within the construction industry.
For more information or to contribute to the cause, please visit the official JustGiving page: Climb from Darkness – JustGiving. Or donate directly to Project 7K at https://donate.justgiving.com/charity/lostcityproject/donation-amount
