It is known that young men can find it hard to “open up” because of stereotypes of male behaviour, which is why seven sixth form boys at The Leys, Cambridge, organised a fundraiser to benefit the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust. Charlie, a highflyer with apparently everything to live for, took his life in 1997. The Trust is dedicated to supporting and educating young people in looking after their mental health.
For 24 hours from 6 pm on Saturday 29 May to Sunday 30 May, the pupils worked out continuously to raise money for mental health charity The Charlie Waller Trust. They also played a netball match, did sunrise sprints, played a football match against staff and did an 11k run. also recording short podcast clips in which they discussed mental health-related topics. They exceeded their fundraising target, raising over £3,000.
They also exceeded their fundraising target, raising over £3,000 for The Charlie Waller Trust. The team are keen to raise awareness of mental health issues in men and encourage more open conversations about increasing pressures to meet high social expectations.