MP’s running challenge raises over £6000 for South Lakes mental health charity

A mental health charity in Kendal has received a £6000 boost, after local MP Tim Farron completed his challenge to run every day in January.

Tim ran more than 184 miles to raise over £6,300 for Wave Forward, who support young people aged 12 to 25 in South Cumbria to improve their mental health and wellbeing.

Tim said: "I'm utterly grateful to everyone who sponsored me and donated to Wave Forward.

"Thanks to your generosity, so many young people can start to get the mental health support that they need and rightly deserve."

Lisa Atkinson, fundraising and communications coordinator for Wave Forward said: "The commitment and energy Tim has put into this fundraising challenge is incredible. He has championed our charity on the riverbanks in London to the local streets and trails of Cumbria.

"In running every day, Tim has raised both vital fund for mental health support for our local young people but also awareness of how important getting active and outdoors is in looking after our mental wellbeing.

"It was incredible to have Tim alongside us at the first Kendal Mental Health Mile of 2022 to kickstart our regular monthly miles. We hope to see the Mental Health Mile grow throughout the year. It offers a fantastic one-mile-long space to get active, get outdoors, connect and raise funds.

"The funds raised by Tim will go towards providing mental health support for young people across the South Lakes when they need it the most."

El, a young person connected to the charity said: "I know just how important the funds raised by Tim will be in helping young lives that are in need of mental health support.

"Having the money to grow mental health facilities and charities will mean a brighter future for young people and the network of family and friends around them."