Joe's epic Kilimanjaro challenge for Andy’s Man Club

An Oldham teacher is set is to inspire his students by taking on Mount Kilimanjaro, as he helps to raise awareness surrounding male suicides.

Joe Varey, Assistant Principal at UTC Warrington, will be climbing the mountain in Tanzania during the October half term break in aid of Andy’s Man Club, who aim to reduce the rate in male suicides in the under 45s.

Mr Varey has been taking on weekly challenges, including 10K runs, tough mudder trials, and warrior courses, in preparation for his Kilimanjaro challenge.

He said: “I have wanted to inspire our students to take on extraordinary challenges that will test their resilience and personal qualities.

"Climbing Kilimanjaro is something I never expected to do, but the challenge seems like the next step in my support for Andy's Man Club.”

The club was set up in July 2016 in Halifax, following the death of Andy Roberts who killed himself at the age of 23, and encourages members to speak openly about their problems without judgement.

When one of Joe’s close friends took his own life 18 months ago, he found support from Andy's Man Club and has since gone on to raise money and awareness for the group.

Andy's Man Club is a peer to peer talking group and opened in Oldham in May, 2017.

The group meet every Monday night.

“The students have given me a lot of motivation following the death of John, and to know I am inspiring those students to be open and celebrate themselves is very satisfying.," added Mr Varey.

“Kilimanjaro will be an immense test of fitness, teamwork, and resilience – the same skills I push my students to demonstrate every day.

"I can’t wait to come back to the college after half term and share my story with the UTC and to support others in challenging themselves.”

Mr Varey has already surpassed his target of raising £500 for the charity.

Donations are still being accepted at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/joe-varey-1?utm_id=60&utm_term=7wDAY2xRb

For more information on Andy's Man Club, visit: www.andysmanclub.co.uk

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