Resolution IT’s David Cusack explains why he’s decided to take on the Three Peaks Challenge.
I’m David, an Information Security Analyst at Resolution IT. Next month, I’ll be attempting to climb the highest mountain in Scotland, England and Wales in under 24 hours.
I’m working with Resolution IT to use this challenge to raise funds for the four charities the company is supporting this year; Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation, Guernsey Cheshire Home, Headway Guernsey, and Channel Island Air Search.
Why am I doing this challenge?
The reason I am doing this challenge is plain and simple; to see if I can do it.
A few years ago, I was in a dark place. I was stuck in a rut and felt like I was going nowhere. I felt myself spiralling out of control as I lost track of months at a time with no plans for a future or savings. I had two choices: carry on wasting away and potentially no longer being here or break the routine and start again with a clean slate.
I chose the latter. I quit drinking, left my mundane office job that I had to do after physical injuries prevented me from continuing as a qualified electrician, and stepped away from sport to fully commit to the life reset. I started to plan a future for the first time, saving money and considering what my new career could be.
I was very fortunate to earn a chance to prove myself at Resolution IT, despite having no previous experience in IT. My transferrable skills of troubleshooting and fault finding from my electrical background aided me in the interviews and by pure chance I happened to be interviewed by two former electricians, who could relate to the pain of damaged knees and ankles!
I then spent the next few years focusing on my new career, working whatever hours I could and studying relentlessly to sit as many exams as I could.
My commitment to establishing myself in the IT industry did have some repercussions, however. I neglected the physical element of my life so I could focus on work, despite never being pressured to do so by Resolution IT. In fact, the team would often suggest slowing down to avoid burn out and have a better work/life balance – so now I’m finally listening to them.
I recently completed the Saffery Rotary Walk this past June in just over 11 hours and I am in the process of kick starting a Resolution IT 6 aside team, but I really wanted to push myself hard to see what I can achieve. In classic me fashion, I’ve decided to put myself to the test and tackle the tallest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales in under 24 hours.
I’ve been able to go from wasting away with no prospect of a future, to landing my dream job in the Information Security sector, whilst also having a healthy physical lifestyle on top of a mentally healthy and happy life. I feel this is the final stage in my recovery where I can say “I did it, I survived”. This is also a fantastic opportunity to raise money for the 4 wonderful charities that Resolution IT are supporting this year.
If you have made it this far, I praise and admire you. I guess the only thing left to say is please feel free to donate as much as you like in aid of the 4 wonderful charities listed above and if you are unable to donate, I would really appreciate if you are able to share it amongst friends and family.
Wish me luck on this journey and lets climb those mountains!
