Summits Up wasn’t created as a charity idea on paper.
It was created as a response to real life; to the pressure, the stress, the silent struggles, and the reality that so many people feel lost even when they look “fine” on the outside.
The three of us who founded Summits Up each carry our own lived experience of mental health challenges. We’ve been the people who struggled daily to admit their problems. We’ve been the people comparing ourselves to social media highlight reels and wondering why our life didn’t feel the same. We’ve been the people who felt ashamed to talk.
And we’ve been the people who needed community long before we knew where to find it.
We’ve worked with mental health charities for years, we know the good they do and we also know where people fall through the cracks.
That’s why Summits Up was born.
Not for likes, not for publicity…but to genuinely help like minded people.
A Plan for 2026… Fast-Tracked by the Community
The original plan was simple:
Build the community in 2025.
Start funding therapy in 2026.
But then everything changed.
The support around our Edale Skyline challenge and the Robin Hood Half Marathon was overwhelming. The donations kept coming, people connected with our story, and the momentum was undeniable.
Because of that momentum, because people believed in us we were able to bring our mission forward by 4 months.
By October 2025, Summits Up was already funding therapy sessions across the East Midlands through our trusted network of therapists.
Our Monthly Hikes: Where Real Community Happens
The heart of Summits Up sits on the trails — in muddy boots, sweaty backpacks, deep chats, and quiet moments of reflection.
Our hikes aren’t for elite athletes. They’re not competitive. They’re not about being the fittest or the fastest.
They’re for everyday people, including:
People with their own mental health stories
People who have struggled but never told anyone
People who don’t feel confident hiking alone
People who want to meet new friends
People trying to escape the pressure of comparison
People who simply need fresh air and good company
What makes our hikes different?
There’s no judgement. No expectation. No pressure.
Some talk openly. Some walk in silence. Everyone shows up as they are. And that’s enough.
Real friendships are being built.
People have started arranging their own smaller walks.
The community has become a safe space, an offline reminder that life is more than social media highlights and perfection filters.
Out here, nobody has to pretend.
Why We Talk About Things Like Journalling & Mental Health Online
We know that social media only shows the best bits of people’s lives.
We know people compare themselves, often without realising.
We know that men especially struggle to talk, which is why sharing real conversations.
We want our online content to feel like our hikes:
Honest. Supportive. Real.
Because the more we talk about the reality of mental health, the more people feel safe enough to ask for help.
So What does 2026 have in store?
If 2025 was about proving what’s possible…
2026 is about elevating everything.
🏔️ Two Major UK Challenges
Including the Yorkshire Three Peaks and another huge challenge soon to be announced.
🌍 A Community Trip to Madeira
Incredible scenery, unforgettable routes, and a shared challenge designed for all abilities.
🏃♂️ Half Marathons & Marathons Throughout the Year
With Summits Up runners raising funds for therapy and wellbeing support.
🥾 Monthly Hikes — 12 in Total
Accessible, welcoming, and always open to anyone who needs company, movement, or space to breathe.
🏢 Partnerships With Local Businesses
Workshops, wellbeing sessions, and tailor-made challenges that help teams talk, connect, and support their own people.
And We’re Just Getting Started
Summits Up isn’t about mountains, it’s about moments.
It’s about people who once felt alone now feeling part of something.
It’s about showing up, walking together, talking when you’re ready, and knowing you’re not a burden.
It’s about real support: hikes, community, therapy, connection, and hope.
And as we step into 2026, we’ll keep moving forward, one foot in front of the other — together.