A man from Carlisle has pledged to run the distance of nearly three marathons next month to raise money for a local charity. 

Chris Young, from Cleator Moor, will run 84 miles on Sunday, September 10, which is suicide prevention day.

All proceeds raised will go towards Carlisle Eden Mind, a charity that supports people with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. 

The keen runner aims to raise £8,400 for the charity and has already achieved nearly 20% of his target. 

Chris said: "I have chosen to run 84 miles as it is 84 men a week on average that complete suicide. We particularly as men need to talk as a problem shared is a problem halved!

"People would rather listen to your problems than attend a funeral. There is always another way and things will always get better!

"I want to prove to people that it’s a bad time and not a bad forever. I’m diagnosed with ADHD and suffer badly from anxiety and depression but have come a long way since my initial struggles. I want to prove and inspire people that there is always light, even in the darkest of times.

"Everybody’s 84-mile achievement may be different. Whether that be making it through the day and seeing tomorrow, or simply being able to get a shower. We may not all be capable of achieving great things but we can all do little things in a great way."

Chris will set off on his run at 4 am next month and plans to finish the challenge at around 10 pm. 

He has given his challenge the title of Lean on Me, after the famous Bill Withers song, as the lyrics encourage people to ask for the help and support of others when they are struggling. 

You can donate to Chris' fundraiser here.