An epic trek through some of the most beautiful countryside in England is being staged to raise funds for a mental health
charity for World Suicide Prevention Day in September.

The South Downs National Park in Sussex is the setting for the ‘Worthing Five Peaks Challenge’, organised by Olly’s Future
(CIO 1187184) a national suicide prevention charity set up in memory of Oliver (Olly) Hare from Worthing, a young man
who tragically took his own life on February 14th 2017, just before his 23rd birthday.

Founded by his mother, Ann Feloy, its work includes delivering training to equip people with the skills to spot signs in
someone who may be thinking of suicide and have a conversation that could help save their life. More than 11,500 people
worldwide have so far taken part.

The walk takes place on Saturday September 5th, starting at 9:00am and has two options – the ‘Worthing Five Peaks
Challenge’ – The Big One (17 miles) or the ‘Worthing One Peak Challenge’ around Cissbury Ring, an Iron Age hillfort – The
Short One (6 miles).

Ann, who lives in Worthing, said: ‘Come and join us for an epic adventure. You’ll be helping us raise funds for World
Suicide Prevention Week, enjoying amazing countryside views, and doing something great for your own wellbeing’.

Landscape rich in history and legend

As well as Cissbury Ring, the trek takes in Chanctonbury Ring, Chantry Hill, Black Patch, and Highdown Hill.
Olly’s father, local historian Chris Hare, who devised the walk, has studied the history and folklore of the South Downs and
will be guiding one of the many walking groups.

He said: ‘I will be talking about the ancient heritage of these hills whenever we pause for a rest on our journey.
‘Cissbury Ring, an Iron Age hillfort dates to about 250 BC, but flint mines that pockmark the north-western slopes of
Cissbury, date back to the Neolithic around about 4000 BC.

‘At Chanctonbury Ring archaeologists have found evidence of two temples or places of ritual, both dating from the Roman
period. Many modern tales of mystery are associated with Chanctonbury, including occult practices and visitations by alien
craft.’

Chantry Hill is the mid-way point of walk and the steepest climb with evidence of Bronze Age barrow burials on the slopes.
Black Patch and Highdown Hill are the last two peaks on the trail and both are rich in history and mythology.

‘In local folklore, it was believed that a golden calf was buried at Blackpatch, drawing heavily on Biblical imagery. Although
no such treasure was revealed, it does suggest a lingering folk memory of something significant and important lying beneath
the grass and turf,’ said Chris.
‘Highdown is heavily imbued in local folklore. Midsummer bonfires were lit here until the early nineteenth century. At times of distress, local labourers would meet here to express their concerns and voice their discontent.

Participants came from as far as the Midlands last year for the inaugural challenge which took up to nine hours for some
groups. Many walked in honour of their loved ones who they had lost to suicide.

Walkers, particularly on the 17 mile trek, are expected to have a reasonable level of fitness and are asked to choose which
group they would like to join, according to the pace they wish to walk at, when they sign up.

Each group has a leader and a back stop and no more than 15 walkers to ensure safety but also so that the walkers bond well
and no one gets left too far behind. Marshals are in place at each of the five peaks along the route, providing water and
snacks.

To sign up visit https://ollysfuture.org.uk/events/fivepeakschallenge it costs £25 and participants are encouraged to raise a
further £100 or more for the charity. All proceeds go towards our suicide prevention work, particularly for young people.
Further information and contact details
https://ollysfuture.org.uk/

Ann Feloy, Founder and President ann@ollysfuture.org.uk 07809 697495
Instagram: @Ollys.Future Facebook: OllysFuture LinkedIn: Olly’s Future Bluesky: @ollysfuture.bsky.social