SOUTH East and Central Essex Mind have set a sporting challenge during men’s health week to raise funds and awareness.

The mental health charity, which is based in Southend, are keen for people to carry out 20 minutes worth of exercise before donating and nominating others online.

And Mind’s fundraising officer Keeley Hood is urging people to get involved.

“We would love people to start a fundraiser to raise awareness and funds to help improve mental health and reduce male suicide rates,” said Hood.

“For the year 2020, we put it to you to set a fitness challenge involving the number 20 and nominate others to take it on.

“It can involve 20 minutes, 20 times, 20 metres or 20 miles but we want to help take action on men’s mental health.

“You can kickstart a challenge by donating £2, sharing yourself attempting your challenge and then nominate others to attempt your task themselves.

“The fitness challenge can be intensive or fun and you can set up as many different ones as you want.

Mind have also teamed up with the Echo backed podcast RunFree to boost the campaign.

And co-founder Eddy Cooper is happy to be involved.

“We’re really pleased to be at the forefront of such a great campaign,” said Cooper.

“Raising money for a charity that has helped me out in the past has really enabled a sense of giving back, and getting involved in this would certainly allow others to help the people around them that need it.”

Cooper walked his dog Milo for 20 minutes for his part in the initiative while Isla and Daisy Peck played their part by cycling and running.

Legendary sprint hurdler Colin Jackson also took part in a 20 minute work-out to help to promote the scheme as part of his interview on the RunFree podcast which is available on all platforms from Sunday.