On Saturday 6th September, David Green, Chair, and David Taylor, FSD Volunteer and Walks Leader, took part in the Worthing Five Peaks Challenge 2025, along with Walks Leader and volunteer Tony Linturn.
Credit: David Taylor
The 17-mile walking challenge was completed by three groups. The group led by FSD Chair David Green finished 1 hour and 15 minutes before the other two groups.
The challenge was organised by Olly’s Future suicide prevention charity to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10th, and to mark five years of the charity, which was set up by parents Chris Hare and Ann Feloy in memory of their 22-year-old son Oliver Hare. The charity provides vital suicide prevention work, including training to help spot signs in someone who may be thinking of suicide, and how to have conversations that could help save their life. To date, more than 7,000 people worldwide have had this training thanks to the team at Olly’s Future.
Ann, CEO, from Worthing, said, “I wanted to give people a chance to honour anyone they may love and miss, by connecting them with the beauty of nature on their doorstep and celebrating life. I was surprised to find people had come from a long way in some cases, to walk with us on the day. We will certainly be doing this again next year. It meant a great deal to have the support of members and Trustees of the Friends of the South Downs”
Chris Hare has supported various projects and events for Friends of the South Downs for many years, leading as a Project Manager most recently on the South Downs for All education and engagement project across Hampshire schools.
The five peaks of the challenge, each reflecting the five years that the charity has been active for, included Cissbury Ring, Chanctonbury Ring, Chantry Hill, Black Patch, and Highdown Hill. Every single penny raised will be used for the suicide prevention work delivered by Olly’s Future.
Credit: Ann Feloy
David Taylor, retired airline pilot, Walks Leader and FSD Volunteer, completed the challenge with his son Matthew, having been made aware of the challenge by Tony Linturn, part of the leadership for Group One. Thanks to their fundraising efforts, they had raised over £1,200 by the day of the challenge, with Tony raising £750. Speaking to David about his experience completing the challenge, he said, “suicide amongst young people is a well-known issue, so Matthew and I were more than happy to do our bit to save lives.”
The weather on the day of the event was perfect, with David reporting that it was “not too hot, with a slightly cooling breeze and virtually clear skies, all of which combined to make a 17-mile walk across the South Downs as pleasant as it could be.”
David and Matthew were part of Group Two, accompanied by fellow walkers who “made the experience highly memorable, with great determination and good humour.” The desire to make a difference and come together amongst the community in support for such an important cause is clear, and the efforts of the walkers to complete the challenge is commendable.
By the time David’s group arrived at the finish line after eight hours, both he and Matthew had secured further donations, making their combined total over £1,400. “Despite the tough challenge, I can honestly say that this was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Matthew and I are proud to have supported Olly’s Future and hope to take part in future events.
Helping to lead Group One, Tony added that “the walk took in great views as well as some steep hills and we all agreed the walk was a challenge, particularly to those that had not walked seventeen miles before. Overall, a great day raising money to help save lives.”
You can read more about the vital work provided by Olly’s Future here, as well as access to important information about suicide prevention and support for those in crisis.
Thank you to everyone who joined, supported, and cheered us on – your encouragement helps us raise awareness and vital funds for suicide prevention.
Please consider donating: Click the link here.
Every donation, big or small, makes a difference.
Eloise, Social Media and Events Co-ordinator
