Exmouth mental health group heads for three countries

Three Peaks Challenge aims to raise £15k

Twenty Devon men are taking on the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge for Exmouth mental health community group RV-ONE.

The group was founded in 2020 by Exmouth Royal Marine Sergeant Tom Merriman, 37, a physical training Instructor at the Royal Marines' Commando Training Centre, Lympstone.

Through physical training sessions and social meetings, the organisation has supported countless people in the community, including many teenagers.

The Three Peaks Challenge involves participants hiking up the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – in 24 hours. The total walking distance is 23 miles and the total ascent is 3,064 metres.

Last year, an all-female squad raised around £15,000 for the charity; this year, the all-male group’s fundraising tally is also expected to hit £15,000.

The participants, supported by a small group of serving and former Royal Marines, set off from Exmouth for Scotland start the challenge tomorrow.

Mr Merriman said: “The Three Peaks Challenge is so hard – it’s a mix of fatigue, calorie deficit, blisters and soft tissue injuries – but it’s one of the most incredible challenges out there.

“We want to be able to continue to fundraise for the community while offering people the chance to complete this amazing feat. I’m proud of everyone who takes this on.”

To find out about future challenges, as well as for more information about the social meet-ups, visit www.facebook.com/rv.oneuk