Justin Bramall, 44, took on his remarkable and energy-sapping feat to boost the Russ Devereux Headlight Project which aims to reduce the number of suicides in the Tees Valley through preventative education and training.
Married father-of-two Justin said on his JustGiving post: “ Roseberry Topping 100 — WE DID IT! 🎉 It’s done. After 66 hours and 2 minutes, I finally completed all 100 climbs of Roseberry Topping in support of The Headlight Project. The final numbers are a little ridiculous – 100 reps 62,123ft elevation 93.1 miles 23,363 calories 301,798 steps 1 hour 40 minutes sleep I am incredibly grateful to every single person who supported the challenge in any way. And, most importantly, thank you to everyone who has donated to The Headlight Project.”
A spokesperson for the Headlight Project said: “What a challenge! Congratulations to our Headlight Hero Justin Bramall, who’s climbed Roseberry Topping 100 times continuously to raise funds for us. That’s the equivalent of climbing Everest twice!! Thank you, Justin.”
Justin, an ultra runner and a member of the Burn Road Harriers, also said on his fundraising page: “In 2023, I climbed Roseberry Topping 45 times as part of an Everesting challenge for Prostate Cancer UK. I clearly hadn’t learnt my lesson!”
He went on: “Why The Headlight Project? The Headlight Project came into my workplace and delivered a presentation about suicide and the work they do across the Tees Valley.
The presentation made me stop and think. I’ve been affected by suicide myself. Many years ago, a friend from college took their own life. More recently, I’ve also seen the impact much closer to home.”
Justin continued: “Hearing those personal experiences alongside the statistics really brought home how much work there is still to do. The North East had the highest suicide rate of any region in England in 2024, with 15.1 suicide deaths registered per 100,000 people. Those numbers aren’t just statistics. Behind every one is a person, and behind every person are family, friends, colleagues and communities left trying to make sense of what has happened.”
He added: “I know this challenge is going to hurt. There will be exhaustion. There will be sleep deprivation. There will be moments when climbing the same hill for what feels like the hundredth time seems like a ridiculous idea. But here’s the important difference: I have chosen this. And I know it will end. I’ll eventually finish the 100th climb, come down the hill, go home, eat everything in sight, sleep for about three days and wonder why on earth I thought this was a good idea. For someone dealing with the aftermath of suicide, however, there isn’t a finish line at the end of a few days. Grief can last for years. The questions can last for years. The impact on families and children can last for generations.”
So far, Justin’s efforts have raised more than £3,200 and any reader who would like to contribute can do do at his Just Giving page – https://www.justgiving.com/page/rt100
