Itac Adhesives employee conquers endurance challenge to raise vital funds for Fortalice

On Wednesday, April 7, Tyler Coleman of Itac Adhesives in Bolton tackled the Peak District’s Stanage Edge VS Challenge to raise vital funds for women, families, children, and young people affected by domestic abuse and violence.

Mr Coleman has attempted the challenge twice before, failing the first time about halfway due to exhaustion. On the second attempt, he completed the course, but this was in 26 hours after running out of food and drink supplies at 18 hours! His target time was 16 hours but this was never going to be an easy ask. Only 55 people have ever completed the challenge, which involves a total climb of circa 538m, and 5km covered on foot between the 36 climbing routes. Each climb is between 10m (33 ft) and 22m (72 ft) in height, and feature complex formations, slabs, walls, cracks, and overhangs to navigate.

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, many women and children have found themselves increasingly isolated with their abusers, and the front-line services that Fortalice provide have never proved more essential.  Established in 1977, Fortalice has provided support, education and advice to thousands of women, children, and families that have been affected by domestic abuse and violence. This includes a refuge of 22 flats, which provides those affected with a safe place to live, with around-the-clock support in their recovery from the effects of domestic abuse. Fortalice also provide outreach services in the community such as group work sessions, counselling, healthy relationships education in schools, accredited training, and multi-agency working.

Fortalice CEO Gill Smallwood commented: “I would like to congratulate Tyler on his amazing achievement and say a huge thank you for undertaking such a tough challenge to raise much needed funds for us. The difference fundraising makes is brilliant and helps us provide much needed services to help victims of domestic abuse”.

Tyler Coleman said of his achievement: “The hardest thing was not being able to feel the rocks when I was climbing as my hands and fingers were so numb from the cold. It is quite a scary feeling when relying on the best grip possible to stop a fall! It has all been worthwhile though.  Fortalice do some amazing work and I’m proud to offer my support”.

Mr Coleman has raised £435 for Fortalice so far but there is still time to donate. In support of his challenge, Itac Adhesives managing director Steve Farnworth has vowed that the company will match the final total of funds raised to double the donation value to Fortalice. More information can be found on the Itac website and on the Tyler’s challenge Just Giving Page.