MORE than £1,000 has been raised for a mental health charity as a Dedham Old Boys footballer ran and cycled his way around the county.

Miles Hooton, who lives in West Bergholt and works as a sales representative, has travelled to Ingatestone, Mersea and just about everywhere in between.

It’s all for a good cause, having now raised more than £1,200 for MIND.

The 31-year-old’s monumental effort began on December 30 and has seen him cross the border into Suffolk on some journeys.

He said: “Having not played football since the first lockdown and probably consuming too many barbecues and beers, I wasn’t exercising enough.

“I’d told myself countless times I would get fit and lose weight but never did it, so I decided if I had the commitment of people donating to me I could use this as motivation.

“I decided I would do it until the end of January and for every pound raised I’d do this in miles.

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“I thought I would get maybe £200 to £300 and so planned to do this all running, but as the donations topped £1,000 I realised I couldn’t run all that in the time period.

“The main reason was to get fit but mainly to help my mental health which needs exercise.

“The world seemed all doom and gloom and I thought I’d give myself something to concentrate on while helping others too.

Mr Hooton was inspired to raise awareness about mental health after a close friend attended two funerals of people who had taken their own lives in recent months.

He added: “We will all know someone who is struggling, they just might not have told us.

“I’ve got a few work colleagues who live on their own and every time I speak to them they’re struggling, like a lot of people are.

“It’s really resonated with me how much of a silent problem this is for a lot of people - especially nowadays.

“One thing I’ve learnt is mental health should be treated exactly like your physical health.

“You’re always going to be up and down and there is this stigma attached to talking about this when it’s not a problem, it should just be something we look after every day.

“I found when I was exercising every day throughout January I was infinitely sharper, less tired and generally felt better."

Chairman of Dedham Old Boys Football Club Andrew Bell understands the benefits of his player’s effort, adding: “The club are proud of Miles and are pleased at least one player will be fit when play recommences.”

Mr Hooton now has 293 more miles to tick off in February before taking a well-earned break.

You can support him at bit.ly/2Ohj67y.