Seven men, one mountain, one camera pole: CTSG smashes Ben Nevis challenge

A seven-strong team from Northamptonshire firm CTSG has successfully conquered the summit of Ben Nevis, raising a massive £4,758 for the construction mental health charity, Mates in Mind.

Before the Climb: Terry and the determined CTSG team prepare to haul a fully built camera pole up Ben Nevis. Seven mates, one massive peak, and one collective mission to support mental health across the construction industry with Mates in Mind. | Terry Westley

placeholder image — Before the Climb: Terry and the determined CTSG team prepare to haul a fully built camera pole up Ben Nevis. Seven mates, one massive peak, and one collective mission to support mental health across the construction industry with Mates in Mind. | Terry Westley

Taking on the challenge on Saturday, 27th June 2026, the group—consisting of Terry, Kevin, Chris, Brandon C, Brandon S, Max, and Harvey—completed the grueling 1,345-metre climb up the UK's highest peak. However, they did it with a unique, highly demanding twist: working collectively to manually haul a fully built, heavy camera pole for the entire duration of the trek. The creative challenge was masterminded by Brandon C to test the group's teamwork, coordination, and physical resilience under pressure.

The physical grit required was immense, with the team navigating steep, loose rocky scree and pushing through dense fog and near-zero visibility as they neared the upper sections of the mountain.

Setting Off for Mates in Mind: Spirits are high as the CTSG team gathers ahead of their grueling trek. With matching 'Climbing for Mental Health' team gear on and the massive camera pole secured to the roof rack, the group is pictured at the absolute start of a mission that ultimately raised an incredible £4,758. | Terry Westley

Dedication to the cause was unmatched across the board, particularly for team member Kevin. He undertook an exhausting, multi-leg journey just to make the starting line—traveling back from Italy via two separate flights and a hire car to reach Scotland just in time for the weekend climb.

The "Ben Nevis Camera Climb" was undertaken to shine a vital spotlight on mental health support and actively break the stigma within the construction sector.

How to Support:

The fundraising page is still live and open for anyone who wishes to support this incredible local effort and help the team boost their total even further. Donations can be made directly here:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/ctsg-camera-climb?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL