MP’s running challenge raises more than £4,000 for youth mental health counselling service

Cumbrian MP Tim Farron has raised over £4,000 for local mental health charity Wave Forward by running every day in January.

The money will go towards establishing a South Lakes counselling service for young people aged 16-18.

Tim's running totalled over 197 miles - averaging more than 10km every day - and saw him pass through the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and, closer to home, the Fairy Steps in Beetham.

Wave Forward works alongside young people to deliver therapeutic programmes and counselling sessions. This work includes a 12-week 'Discovery Programme', piloted with Kirkbie Kendal School, that helps young people improve their own wellbeing, allowing them to better support others.

The charity also run campaigns and events that promote mental wellbeing and to tackle the stigma associated with mental health.

Tim said: "I'm both delighted and relieved to reach the end of my running-every-day-in-January challenge and to have raised over £4,000 for Wave Forward.

"I know times are really tough for so many people with the cost of living, so I'm utterly grateful to everyone who decided to sponsor me and give money to such a worthy cause.

"The money you have generously donated will go such a long way to give vital support to young people in our area who are really struggling."

Lisa Atkinson from Wave Forward said: "Tim's energy for this challenge has been incredible.

"Set out with a goal of 100km through getting out running everyday and he smashed that target with a grand total of 318km completed at the end of January.

"The £4,000 and still growing total that Tim has raised, through so many generous supporters, is going to ensure we can provide vital mental health support to local young people when they need it the most."

People can donate money to Wave Forward here.