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A musician from Salford is gearing up to attempt the Three Peaks Challenge carrying a full drum kit in support of a mental health charity.<\/strong><\/p>\n Aaron Youd, also known as the Manchester Drummer, is aiming to climb England\u2019s Scafell Pike, Scotland\u2019s Ben Nevis and Wales\u2019 Snowdon while carrying a full drum kit on his back throughout the challenge.<\/p>\n He will begin the extraordinary feat on Friday 28 August at the foot of England\u2019s highest mountain, Scafell Pike in the Lake District.<\/p>\n Aaron plans to perform a live drumming session at the summit of each mountain after completing each climb.<\/p>\n His percussion-powered Three Peaks bid is raising money for Mandem Meetup, a charity that supports men\u2019s mental health and encourages open conversations about emotional wellbeing.<\/p>\n Aaron, who has spent more than 27 years touring and performing across the UK and Europe, says the challenge has become deeply personal following the loss of six friends and fellow musicians to suicide in recent years.<\/p>\n \u201cThis challenge is about much more than endurance,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about raising awareness for mental health, encouraging people to speak openly, and raising as much money as possible for a cause that affects so many lives every day.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve lost six friends and colleagues to suicide and I know how important it is that people feel able to talk and ask for support.\u201d<\/p>\n He added: At each peak, I\u2019ll be performing with the drums to spread the message that no one should struggle alone. Every step, every climb, and every beat played is dedicated to raising awareness and making a positive difference.\u201d<\/p>\n Aaron\u2019s journey has also led to a partnership with wellness company Therme Manchester after a chance encounter.<\/p>\n The organisation\u2019s UK CEO Professor David Russell spotted Aaron drumming and stopped to watch him perform.<\/p>\n The meeting sparked a conversation that would eventually lead to Aaron being invited to perform at the future site of a sprawling \u00a3500m mega spa set to be built in Greater Manchester by the company.<\/p>\n Following Aaron\u2019s plans for the Three Peaks challenge, Therme Manchester stepped in to support his physical preparation and training programme from April through to September.<\/p>\n \u201cAaron\u2019s determination, creativity and honesty immediately stood out when I first saw him performing in Manchester,\u201d said Professor David Russell.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat he is attempting is extraordinary, both physically and emotionally, and we\u2019re proud to support him as he prepares for this challenge and raises awareness around an issue that affects so many people.\u201d<\/p>\n Aaron added: \u201cMusic has always been my outlet and my way of connecting with people. If this challenge encourages even one person to open up about how they\u2019re feeling or seek help, then every difficult step will be worth it.\u201d<\/p>\nAaron Youd is set to attempt the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge <\/p>\n