Olly’s taking on 5k challenge to boost Mental Health UK funds
TEEN AIMING TO RAISE £5K FOR CHARITY
OLLY Manning is running 5k a day in December to raise money for Mental Health UK.
Concerned about the rise in mental health issues, particularly among young men, and inspired by other fundraisers, the teenager from Fleet is setting out his own personal challenge to raise funds for the charity.
Olly, 19, will be running 5k every day next month with the aim of raising £5,000.
He said: “So many people struggle with issues linked to mental health.
“In a year where suicide numbers have increased and so many people have struggled with worries related to health, money and jobs due to Covid-19 and lockdown, I think it’s so important for these people to know they always have somewhere to go or someone to turn to.
“I’ve been inspired by every individual who has had or currently has a mental health issue and is fighting it and not letting it win. A couple of these people have had a huge influence on me and it has opened my eyes to the issue that struggles with mental health causes.
“In a year that has been so tough for so many people, I want to end the year on a positive note and start next year off having raised as much money as possible, to give more people the opportunity to make next year a better one.
“So far I have raised £575 towards my target of £5,000 through my friends and family but would love more people to know about this, share the story and help raise money and awareness and let people know that it’s going to be okay.”
Every £10 raised for Mental Health UK pays for a call to their advice and information line, supporting someone living with mental illness who may be feeling in distress during this time.
Twenty pounds enables someone who is struggling with their mental health to access Mental Health UK’s online support community, Clic, where they can connect to others in a safe environment.