How four friends from Chesterfield are fundraising for a year to help a vital mental health charity

Four friends from Chesterfield are doing 30 push-ups every day for a year to raise money for a mental health charity.
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Brothers Jamie and Paul Snarski, 40 and 46, along with Darren de Beer, 44, and Wayne Ashley, 47, are now nearly six months into the challenge and have so far raised almost £500 for Papyrus, the national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide.

The friends said: “With the Covid-19 pandemic and mental health issues on the rise, we wanted to do something to raise money for an amazing charity.

Fundraisers Darren De Beer, top left, Paul Snarski, top right, Jamie Snarski, bottom left, Wayne Ashley, bottom right.Fundraisers Darren De Beer, top left, Paul Snarski, top right, Jamie Snarski, bottom left, Wayne Ashley, bottom right.
Fundraisers Darren De Beer, top left, Paul Snarski, top right, Jamie Snarski, bottom left, Wayne Ashley, bottom right.
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“So many people are finding themselves vulnerable, isolated and anxious at the moment.

“We also want to raise awareness of mental health issues among our communities, such as PTSD, anxiety and depression – conditions that can tragically lead to people taking their own lives, should they not find the support and understanding they so desperately need.

“Don’t be afraid to speak out.

“All three of us have been involved in mental health issues in one way or another so this is a cause close to our hearts.”

Speaking about their fundraising challenge, they added: “We have one rule – 30 push-ups every day for a year.

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“We started on June 26 and have been recording ourselves and sharing the videos through social media every day so people can track our cause.

People can show love and encouragment and even donate a little if they want to get involved.

“This isn’t a nomination challenge but if you would like to do this with us or join in for a month or so then the more the merrier.”

To sponsor the friends and help them raise even more money for Papyrus, visit www.justgiving.com/team/30-365.

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According to Papyrus, suicide is the biggest killer of young people – male and female – under 35 in the UK. Every year many thousands more attempt or contemplate suicide, harm themselves or suffer alone, afraid to speak openly about how they are feeling.

Papyrus aims to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by shattering the stigma around suicide and equipping young people and their communities with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.

For more information about Papyrus as well as help and advice, visit www.papyrus-uk.org.

Editor’s message

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