Mountain Challenge

Battered by relentless winds and emerging from dense fog Metal Solutions successfully complete the Helvellyn mountain challenge.

On Saturday 28th June 2025, 11 members from Metal Solutions set out on an ambitious challenge: to summit, one of the Lake District’s most iconic peaks Helvellyn, climbing 950 metres / 3117 feet — all in support of the workplace mental health charity, Mates in Mind.

Setting off at 8:00 AM, the group of 11 colleagues faced harsh conditions right from the start. Rain gave way to dense fog, and as the team climbed higher into the Eastern Fells, the wind became a constant, battering force.

Despite the weather and demanding terrain, morale remained high throughout. Every team member pushed forward with determination and purpose, united by a shared goal and the knowledge that their efforts supported a vital cause.

At the summit — windswept and surrounded by cloud — the group proudly raised a flag for Mates in Mind, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness in the workplace and beyond.

Mates in Mind is a leading UK charity working to raise awareness, improve understanding, and break the stigma surrounding mental ill-health. The organisation promotes and leads on the development of positive mental health in and through work. While originally rooted in the construction industry, Mates in Mind now works across a wide range of sectors — including transport, logistics, manufacturing, energy, farming, and agriculture — bringing effective interventions and support to those who need it most.

This successful ascent was more than just a physical achievement. It was a celebration of teamwork, resilience, and shared values — a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when people come together in support of a cause greater than themselves.

Metal Solutions extends its thanks and congratulations to all who took part in the challenge, and to everyone supporting their mission to make mental health a priority.

“We had an unforgettable and inspiring day. Our journey began in rain and mist, gradually giving way to dense fog and relentless summit winds. Though we had to imagine the breath-taking views our team leader Phil described, the thick fog may have offered a false sense of security—as we scrambled across the jagged ridge of Striding Edge, looking down simply wasn’t an option.
Despite the harsh conditions, the group’s spirit remained unshaken. Every step combined challenge and exhilaration, and reaching the summit brought an incredible sense of accomplishment. Raising the flag for our chosen charity, Mates in Mind, filled us with pride and purpose. It was a day defined by determination, camaraderie, and the unique fulfilment that comes from facing nature’s raw elements—together.”
– Janet Flood, Managing Director

You can still donate to Mates In Mind on our JustGiving page:
Metal Solutions Ltd is fundraising for Mates in Mind

Walkers: Alan Barker, Ann McCafferty, Bryn Holden, Charlotte Flood, Janet Flood, Jordan Crook, Liam Harper, Lukasz Podgorski, Phil Downey, Rafal Pietak, Rinoj Raju

More on Helvellyn

At 950m, Helvellyn is the third-highest peak in the Lake District National Park and climbing it is on many walkers’ bucket-lists.

The route started from Glenridding Carpark
(where there is pay-and-display parking).

Take the path up Mires Beck, take a left at Little Cove and climb to the ‘Hole in the Wall’ stile. The walk over Bleaberry Crag gets steadily steeper until you reach the spiky ridge of Striding Edge, with fabulous views of Red Tarn below.

For maximum exposure, those wishing to, can take the direct line up over the top of Striding Edge. Alternatively, there is a slightly lower route on the right-hand side. This is less challenging and a little more shielded.

The summit of Helvellyn is quite flat and there is not much natural protection from the weather. However, there is a ‘crosswind shelter’ built from stone with low walls in the shape of an ‘X’.

To complete the Helvellyn horseshoe, follow the ridge line down Swirral Edge. Swirral Edge is generally considered simpler than Striding Edge. But it is still a scramble and you will definitely have ‘hands-on-rock’.