A STUDENT from Chepstow is preparing to cycle from the Eiffel Tower to Blackpool Tower to raise awareness about mental health.

Ellie Clutton, 20, will be taking part in the Tower to Tower bike ride in aid of the mental health charity Mind with five other riders and two support crew, from the University of London Institute in Paris (ULIP).

The ride, organised by ULIP for the third year running, involves a 600-mile journey between Paris and Blackpool over nine days from June 1 to June 9.

Ellie, who is studying French studies, will be taking part in the ride for the second time.

"I know just how physically and mentally challenging it is but also how rewarding it is," said Ellie.

"We have a great team of riders and support crew who I am very excited to share this challenge with."

She added: "The need to break the stigma around mental health is huge and it is so important to be supporting mental health charities like Mind.

"As students, we are often faced with mentally challenging situations and we really appreciate the work that Mind does for people like us.

"The sense of achievement and the fact that we are raising awareness and money for such an important charity makes the whole challenge so worthwhile."

Vicky Urquhart, community fundraising co-coordinator at Mind thanked last year’s ULIP Tower to Tower bike ride team. She said: "With the dedication and support of our fundraisers, Mind can reach more people, answer more calls and carry on speaking out for everyone affected by mental health problems.”

One in four people will experience a mental health problem in any given year, but it is estimated only 25 per cent of people with mental health problems receive support each year.

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/ULIPTowerToTower

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