Musician Aaron Youd, aka The Manchester Drummer, has just completed an extraordinary challenge which has never been achieved before conquering the UK’s Three Peaks while carrying a drum kit.
Aaron tackled Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon, England, Scotland and Wales’ highest mountains, as part of his fundraising challenge for Mandem Meetup, which supports men’s mental health and encourages men to connect, talk and support one another.
The challenge was already an incredible feat of endurance, with Aaron carrying his drum kit throughout the climbs. But he went one step further by taking his drums to the summits of all three mountains and actually performed at the top of Snowdon, bringing together his passion for music with his mission to raise awareness of men’s mental health.
Aaron is now hoping his achievement will be officially recognised by Guinness World Records.
The challenge has a deeply personal motivation. Aaron has lost six friends and fellow musicians to suicide in recent years and wanted to use his music and the challenge to encourage more open conversations around men’s mental health.
Aaron Youd, The Manchester Drummer, said: “I’m honestly still trying to take in what I’ve achieved. Carrying a full drum kit up all three peaks was tough but getting to the top and actually playing the drums at the top of two of the mountains themselves was incredible.
“This was never just about climbing three mountains. I wanted to do something that would get people talking about men’s mental health and raise money for Mandem Meetup.
“I’ve lost six friends and colleagues to suicide, so this challenge has been incredibly personal for me. If one person sees what I’ve done and feels able to talk to someone, ask for help or check in on a mate, then every step and every beat was worth it.
“I’m hoping we can now get this officially recognised by Guinness World Records, but for me the biggest achievement is getting the message out there.”
The remarkable Three Peaks challenge was supported by Therme Manchester, which became involved after an unexpected meeting between Aaron and Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK.
Professor Russell first spotted Aaron performing in Manchester city centre and was immediately impressed by his talent, energy and determination.
Since then, Therme Manchester has supported Aaron in his preparations for the challenge, helping with his training and providing clothing and kit to help him tackle the demanding climbs.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “Aaron is an amazing young man, and his determination is genuinely inspiring. When I first saw him performing in Manchester city centre, I could see immediately that there was something very special about him.
“To then see him take on the Three Peaks carrying his drum kit – and finish by playing at the summit of Ben Nevis and Snowdon – is an impressive achievement.
“But what makes this really meaningful is the purpose behind it. Aaron is using his music and his own experience to get people talking about men’s mental health and to support the important work of Mandem Meetup.
“We’re incredibly proud to have supported Aaron during his training and preparation and we hope his achievement inspires even more people to talk, connect and look out for one another.”
Therme Manchester’s support formed part of its commitment to promoting physical and mental wellbeing, connection and positive wellbeing initiatives within the community.
The challenge also builds on Aaron’s reputation as The Manchester Drummer, who has spent more than two decades performing and touring, as well as becoming a familiar face to people in Manchester through his energetic street performances.
For Aaron, music has always been a way of connecting with people. By carrying his drums to the summit of each mountain, he wanted to make the challenge impossible to ignore – while using each performance to reinforce his message that men should feel able to talk about how they are feeling.
Aaron is now encouraging people to continue supporting the campaign and help him reach his fundraising target.
Donations to support Aaron’s challenge and fundraising efforts for Mandem Meetup can be made via: Aaron’s GoFundMe page
