An intrepid member of the SIG Design and Technology team is limbering up to climb one of the world’s highest mountains, all in the name of charity.

Ian Dryden, National Specification Manager for the roofing supplies specialist, will be climbing Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, 5,895 metres above sea level.

This is to raise vital funds for the Samaritans and MIND and to raise awareness of the huge challenge of mental health issues in the UK construction industry.

Inspired to sign-up for the climb after learning of the construction industry’s mental health crisis, Ian was shocked to discover skilled construction workers were ten times more likely to die from suicide than an accident while in-work, according to recent data from the Office for National Statistics.

Dryden said: “There is a huge focus on physical safeguarding in the construction industry, which is crucially important, but it’s essential to look after your mental wellbeing, too.

“Approximately one in four people in the UK are affected by a mental health issue each year, and services such as the Samaritans and MIND play a pivotal role in getting help to those in need.

“Scaling Kilimanjaro will be a mammoth undertaking, but I can think of no more worthwhile cause for which to do it!”

Dryden’s journey to Africa will begin on 26 December and he is set to summit Kilimanjaro on New Year’s Day.

To learn more about Dryden’s mission, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ian-dryden2.