A local fundraiser has raised over £2,000 for men’s mental health charities by embarking on a 24 hour marathon running challenge.

Dave Brace of Cleggars Park, Lamphey started at 12 am last Friday (October 2) morning at the village’s petrol station, ran to Pembroke on the Lower Lamphey road, and then back around on the main Lamphey road, taking on four miles then completing the same circuit every four hours until the last run at 11 pm, 30 miles in total.

Friends also joined Dave on some of the fundraising legs for motivational support, with his wife also taking part in two of the runs.

Pushing himself to complete 30 miles in the end, Dave has so far raised £2,145 for men’s mental health awareness.

Suicides in males in Wales and England is at an all time high, with the pressures of daily life and the current Covid-19 pandemic never before have the males in your lives needed your support, whether that be from a family member, a friend or a support group at the end of a phone line.

Ahead of the challenge, Dave said: “I don’t aim to break any records, but maybe some personal ones, as to date the furthest I have ran is 13.2miles, but the main aim is to raise awareness.

“I have needed help in the past and am lucky to have had family there to support me, but many do not. Even the strongest of men on the outside can be lonely, and some refuse help, but many will accept it when given, but recognising that someone needs support is the hard part.

“Be kind and be supportive at all times, even the brightest people have challenges in their life they need to overcome,” he added.

To donate to the cause you can check out Bracey’s Men’s Mental Health Awareness donation page on Facebook.