Members of staff from Chiptech, a Lancaster-based business, have completed the inaugural Lancashire Five Peak Challenge, raising funds and awareness for youth suicide prevention alongside colleagues from English Lakes Hotels.
The Ambitious Challenge
The ambitious challenge, organised and led by BEE Adventures, saw participants trek across five of Lancashire’s most demanding hills in a single event, believed to be the first time this has ever been attempted. The route took hikers across all corners of Lancashire, including the iconic Pendle Hill in Burnley, Gragareth — one of the highest peaks in the county, as well as Wolfhole Crag, White Hill and Ward's Stone in the Forest of Bowland.
The challenge was undertaken in support of BEE Adventures’ Young People’s Suicide Prevention Programme, which helps vulnerable young people improve their mental wellbeing through outdoor experiences, adventure, and connection with nature.
Overcoming Difficult Terrain
Throughout the hike, participants faced steep climbs, challenging terrain, and changing weather conditions, while working together to complete the demanding route and raise vital funds for the charity’s ongoing work.
Participant Reactions
Stephy Jayne Anderson, one of the walkers from Chiptech, said: “I am so proud of our team, and we are all feeling deeply grateful to our colleagues, family, and friends of Chiptech for their support. Well done to the team from English Lakes Hotels too! We all had so many feelings during the walk for such an important cause close to our hearts. A massive thank you to Ryan and the BEE Adventures team who ensured we all felt safe, supported and encouraged all day! I know the money we have raised collectively will make a huge difference.”
David Hammond, CEO of Chiptech UK and Europe added: “We are incredibly proud of everyone who took part in the Lancashire Five Peak Challenge. Supporting young people’s mental health is an important cause, and taking on such a physically and mentally demanding challenge together made the experience even more meaningful. BEE Adventures is doing vital work to help young people through the power of the outdoors, and we’re honoured to support that mission.”
Charity Impact
Ryan Bond, co-founder and Mountain Leader at BEE Adventures, said: “We can’t thank Chiptech enough for all the effort they put into this challenge, from training, fundraising and turning up on the day. The difference this funding will make will be truly life-changing for these young people, but what’s more is they get to see a caring business in their local community who will go through all this effort, and struggle, for them. Them knowing that people who they’ve never met care about their wellbeing is priceless.”
BEE Adventures specialises in using outdoor adventure to build resilience, confidence, and wellbeing among young people, with a particular focus on suicide prevention and mental health support.
Collaboration and Fundraising
The event also highlighted the strength of collaboration between local businesses and charities, bringing together teams from Chiptech and English Lakes Hotels in a shared effort to support an important community cause. More than £5,000 has been successfully raised so far, and further fundraising efforts are continuing following the completion of the challenge.
For more information about BEE Adventures and its Young People’s Suicide Prevention Programme, visit their website.
