An Inverness man is preparing to lift an astonishing one million kilograms in just under four months to raise vital funds for Centred’s Discovery College, our mental health and wellbeing service that has supported him personally.
The Challenge
The challenge began on 1 September, when Aaron will take on his 1 Million KG Challenge, aiming to lift a cumulative total of 1,000,000 kg before finishing on Christmas Day.
Aaron is undertaking the challenge in support of Discovery College Inverness, Centred’s service he attends himself and which provides free, accessible and face-to-face mental health and wellbeing support for people in the local community.
Having experienced the service first-hand, Aaron is passionate about helping the Discovery College continue to be there for others who need support. Aaron explained –
“The kindness and understanding when I’ve attended the Discovery College has helped with my happiness and confidence. It’s a place where I can come and meet people I wouldn’t have normally met anywhere else, and a place where I can come and get some friendly chat with other people in a similar place to me.”
To reach the one-million-kilogram milestone, Aaron will train three days a week at Forge Gym, where the team will help him record every kilogram he lifts along the way.
With a target of around 250,000 kg every month, the challenge will require months of determination and dedication – and Aaron is hoping the Inverness community will get behind him as he works towards his goal.
The challenge is about much more than the weight lifted. For Aaron, it is an opportunity to give something back to a service that means a great deal to him while raising awareness of the importance of accessible mental health support in the community.
The Discovery College
Every donation raised through the challenge will support the Discovery College Inverness which is not statutory funded, to help it continue providing mental health and wellbeing support to people who need it. The college is now supporting in the region of 140 walk in, face-to-face visits every month. Uniquely, the Discovery College offers face to face support without any barriers or cost. There is no GP referral, appointment or waiting list, and no time limit on how long someone can stay during opening hours. This gives people the time and space they need to feel comfortable, build trust and open up.
The impact of this service has been evidenced through measurable outcomes. 95% of first-time visitors report feeling welcomed and safe, creating an environment where people feel comfortable seeking support. 86% return to the service, demonstrating trust and continued engagement in their recovery journey. Most importantly, 38% of returning visitors report a significant improvement in wellbeing, moving from below-average to high wellbeing scores. This shows that the Discovery College is not simply providing a place to access support, but helping people build confidence, resilience and move forward.
Get behind Aaron
People can support Aaron’s 1 Million KG Challenge by donating through his fundraising page, following his progress, cheering him on or making a donation at Forge Gym.
Every kilogram will take Aaron a little closer to his one-million-kilogram target – and every donation will help support Discovery College Inverness and the people who rely on the service.
The Discovery College Peer Support Mentor, Jamie Bird commented:
“We are absolutely blown away by the challenge that Aaron is taking on to support The Discovery College here in Inverness. We will be supporting Aaron throughout. For many people across the Highlands, having someone there to listen, support and guide them can make all the difference.
I’ve seen firsthand how important this support can be. I’ve seen people rebuild confidence, reconnect with others and begin to believe in themselves again.
These services are free, accessible and genuinely life-changing, but they can only continue with financial support from people and organisations in our communities.”
Follow Aaron’s journey and help him reach one million kilograms by Christmas Day while raising vital funds for mental health and wellbeing support in Inverness.
