A MAN from Burnham-on-Sea is running a 50 kilometres to raise money for Mind, a mental health charity.

Steve Howe has previously worked as a volunteer police officer and an emergency medical dispatcher for the ambulance service.

He said: "Mental health is something that affects everyone, whether we realise it or not.

"I have previously worked for two different emergency services, in the control room and on the front line and the majority of calls for help were mental health-related. 

"Unfortunately I have witnessed first-hand the devastating effects that poor mental health has on those who suffer with it and their family and friends alike. 

"In 2005, when I was only seven, I lost my uncle to his uphill battle with mental health, who was only 23 at the time.

Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News: Steve has previously worked as a volunteer police officer and an Emergency Medical Dispatcher.Steve has previously worked as a volunteer police officer and an Emergency Medical Dispatcher. (Image: Steve Howe)

"He was a caring man who did so much to help others and this is why I am choosing to do just that.

"We are lucky to have fantastic organisations and charities in our area who are predominantly made up of volunteers who are there to help but they rely heavily on donations to be able to keep their services running."

Steve will be running on August 5, covering 50km (five miles more than a marathon) over Exmoor and the South West Coast Path, which includes a 1,650m climb.

He added: "I have a target of £395 set by the charity and anyone who donates via my JustGiving page with their name on the donation will be entered into a prize draw to win some fantastic prizes which includes a family ticket to Haynes International Motor Museum worth over £60.

"Everyone will be able to track my progress on the day Live and I shall share the link on the just giving page for the tracker on the day.

"You will be able to track my progress live over the 50km course which features a 1,650m climb up and over Exmoor on the August 5. Every penny or pound will go such a long way for so many people."

For more information, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sw50formind.