Masons Scaffolding Honours Lost Colleagues and Loved Ones with Three Peaks Challenge

When a team from Masons Scaffolding set out to climb the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales, they were driven by far more than the challenge ahead of them. Taking on the National Three Peaks Challenge represented something much bigger than reaching three summits, it was an opportunity to remember two people they had lost, raise awareness of mental health and support Lighthouse Charity’s work across the construction industry.

The challenge was very much a team effort from start to finish, both for those on the mountains and those supporting behind the scenes

Nine members of the Masons Scaffolding office team took part in the climb: Grant Mason, Freddie Holman, Brad Mason, Jade Mason, Sydnie Pelling, Nigel Mardon, Nick Janes, Dave Saunders and Richard Wellings. A special mention also goes to Jamie Cook, who took on the role of driver, covering more than 500 miles to get the team where they needed to be throughout the challenge.

Team morale remained high throughout, with plenty of “keep going, nearly there!” encouragement helping everyone push on through the long hours, difficult climbs and demanding schedule.

While injuries prevented some participants from completing every stage, everyone played an important role in the effort and contributed to the fundraising success.

Explaining why the team chose to support Lighthouse Charity, Jade Mason said,  “The Lighthouse Charity is a cause that is deeply personal to everyone at Masons Scaffolding. Sadly, last year we lost one of our scaffolders Louis to suicide, and we also wanted to honour the memory of one of our directors’ brothers, James who tragically took his own life several years ago.

These losses have had a profound impact on those around them and have reinforced just how important it is to look after one another. The construction industry can be incredibly demanding, both physically and mentally, and we want to help ensure that nobody feels they have to face their struggles alone.

For us, this challenge was about more than fundraising – it was about remembering Louis and James, raising awareness and helping make a difference to others who may be struggling.”

Reflecting on the challenge team member Sydnie Pelling added, “Our key message was simple: it’s okay not to be okay, and it’s always okay to ask for help.

As we completed our climbs, we were reminded of the importance of teamwork, looking out for one another and recognising when someone might need support. Just as we relied on each other to get through the mountains, we should also look out for colleagues, friends and family members in everyday life, particularly when things become difficult.

We want to encourage more open conversations around mental health across the scaffolding and wider construction industry, break down the stigma surrounding suicide and remind people that support is available. No one should ever feel that they have to struggle in silence.

Sometimes the pressures people carry aren’t always visible. Supporting your own teams, checking in with colleagues and creating an environment where people feel able to speak openly can make a real difference.

This challenge was about remembering those we’ve lost, supporting those who may be struggling now, and helping to make sure more people in construction know that it’s okay to ask for help.”

Freddie Holman, Operations Director at Masons Scaffolding, said, “We wanted to do something positive in James and Louis’ memory and help raise awareness of the importance of mental health within our industry. Construction can be a tough environment, and sometimes people are very good at putting on a brave face and carrying on, even when they are struggling. We are incredibly proud of what our team achieved and the £4,023 we raised for the Lighthouse Charity. If our efforts help even one person access support or feel less alone, then every step was worth it.”