A MENTAL health advocate is running four miles every four hours for 48 hours to raise awareness on the impact of lockdown.

Sam Comiskey, from Colchester, will take on the challenge to raise money for Mid and North East Essex Mind, a charity which means a lot to him.

The 20-year-old has already smashed his target of £500 to raise more than £1,400.

Mind provides mental health services to adults, children and young people across Colchester, Braintree, Maldon and Tendring districts.

But like many other charities, the past year has been tough when it comes to fundraising.

Sam believes there was a mental health emergency before the pandemic and lockdown has “only entrenched inequalities further”.

He said: “I am doing this challenge to raise awareness on the impact of lockdown on people’s mental health, I know the money raised will go towards helping people who are struggling during this tough time.

“Thank you, in advance, for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

“The restrictions designed to prevent the spread of coronavirus are having a profound impact on the way we live our daily lives, and in turn, on our mental health.

“There was already a mental health emergency before coronavirus, and the pandemic has only entrenched inequalities further.”

The challenge will kick off at 8pm on Friday and finish at 8pm on Sunday when he will have clocked up 48 miles in 48 hours.

Julie Arthur, marketing and fundraising manager at Mind, said a growing number of people are suffering and their services are needed more than ever before.

She said: “We are truly grateful for the inspiration and drive that supporters like Sam show when they take on these radical challenges to raise valuable funds for us.

“With a growing number of people suffering with a mental health problem our services are needed more than ever before.”

Mind provides services including counselling, peer support and practical support.

Sam has created an Instagram account, sams_4x4x48_challenge, so that people can follow his journey from his progress start to finish.

To donate to the challenge search Sam Comiskey on gofundme.com.