A MAN who turned his life around after battling with mental health issues is challenging himself to a triathlon.

Craig Fookes found his mental health deteriorating quickly between 2013 and 2015.

The every day troubles of managing finances and relationships became too much.

He made a huge effort to seek support.

Craig, 35, of Mile End Road, Colchester, said: “I had some stressful teenage years as most of us do.

“I was always determined to be successful and started my own business in my twenties.

“Then the credit crunch hit and finances became difficult, as did relationships.

“The stress lead to anxiety and I became depressed to the point where I was feeling suicidal.

“I had support from friends and family so I didn’t go down that route.

“I instead tried exercise, diet, all different kinds of therapy until I found a combination that helped me.”

In October 2017, he started his own therapy practice called Back in the Room hypnotherapy to help others.

Initially he trained in hypnotherapy and coaching and has since expanded to mindfulness and meditation.

He said: “Part of that process was to push myself out of my comfort zone and do some of the things I had always wanted to do, but had never been able to.

“One of which was to run a marathon and on in April 2017 I completed my first full marathon in Milan, having never run more than a half marathon distance in my life.

“In April last year, I completed my life-long ambition of running the London Marathon for the MS-UK team.

“This was significant for me as I had watched my uncle Adrian run the marathon in 1991, and he, not too long after this, lost his battle with his mental health and he ended his life.”

This year, on July 14, he is taking part in the Alton Water triathlon, again for MS-UK.

The challenge includes a 1,500m open water swim, a 40km cycle and a 10k run.

It is the same total distance as an Olympic triathlon.

He said the challenge would help his mental wellbeing.

He said: “Although the situation is improving many of my clients are women, it’s difficult to get men in.“Although the stigma is reducing it’s still a challenge.For people with anxiety sometimes just getting up can feel like a huge effort, so if you have something to focus on you will push yourself further.

“Six months ago I couldn’t really swim, so I I’ll feel more confident once I can do that.”

“For me personally having something in the diary to train for gives me something to focus on and I feel really positive.

“Raising money for charity also makes you feel really good.”

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/craig-fookes1.