An ex-client of Cambridge-based mental health charity, The Cogwheel Trust, has raised £2,500 for the charity by completing a personal challenge of running 2,019 miles from 1 February 2018 to 31 January 2019, including an ultra-endurance event every month.

Inspired by his own experience of mental health issues and a chance meeting with someone who had lost a partner to suicide, Alun Lucas took on the challenge to raise awareness of, and valuable funds for, the mental health charity which has helped him and so many others in need of support in Cambridgeshire.

During the year-long challenge Alun ran a total of 2,093 miles. He explained:

Eighty four men in the UK take their own lives every week. On New Year’s Eve 2017, I met a gorgeous woman whose partner had committed suicide. She was intending to Run Every Day January for Mind. I joined in.

At the end of January, I kept going – inspired to say ‘Thank You’ to all who have helped me with my own mental health: my children, family, great friends and colleagues, a wonderful GP who ‘went the extra mile’ and referred me to the Cogwheel Trust – and in doing so, helped save me.

Jane Whitten, Community Fundraiser, The Cogwheel Trust, said:

It is so important that those suffering with mental health issues understand that they are not alone, and that support is available.

So, it is truly incredible to see a man that The Cogwheel Trust has supported speaking out about his experiences with mental health – all the while raising valuable funds which help us to help those in need.

This is a huge accomplishment for Alun and we are so grateful for his donation.

The Cogwheel Trust has been providing affordable counselling and psychotherapy support for people in Cambridgeshire for 30 years, and has centres in Cambridge, Ely and Sawston. In 2018 Cogwheel provided 5,000 hours of affordable counselling and psychotherapy to almost 600 people in Cambridgeshire.

To find out more about The Cogwheel Trust and how you can support the charity, please visit: cogwheel.org.uk.