A MINEHEAD fundraiser will be walking laps around Somerset Cricket Club’s County Ground to raise funds for charity and to increase awareness of mental health issues.

Daniel James, 42, who is taking on the challenge on Thursday, October 10, says walking round in circles like he will be doing is symbolic of the way those with mental health issues feel daily.  

He has been supported in his effort by 50 businesses who have agreed to sponsor him for a lap each. And each business will be providing someone to join him as he aims to complete 55 laps – which will be equivalent to 20 miles.

(Image: Daniel James)

He said: “It will symbolise how it can feel like you are going round in circles and dealing with and seeing the same thing over and over again.”

He has set up a Justgiving page where people can support him: www.justgiving.com/page/walkforwellbeing

Daniel, who is the commercial and community fundraiser for Mind in Somerset, came up with idea as he was looking for a fundraiser he could connect with.

He wants people to join him on the challenge adding: “What you can do to help is, fresh air, exercise, hobbies and interests, which will all be on show by doing this walk and at the cricket ground and the main thing we can all do to help is talk to people.

“It symbolises, that if we have people to talk to that it can really help and take our mind off of our worries, it's good to talk.

“If I walked with one person it would be easier but after 5-10 laps it still becomes boring and hard, but the more people and new conversations I have the easier it will be.”

Mind in Somerset is there to make are anyone with mental health problems have somewhere to turn for advice and support. Their core purpose is to provide services and support to anyone affected by mental illness, improving their quality of life and wellbeing.