A Harlow Councillor is on a mission to get fitter and healthier and raise money for a local charity which supports young people.

Harlow Council’s mental health champion, Councillor Ian Beckett, aims to lose three stone in six months and raise £500 for Young Concern Trust (YCT) in the process. He says this will be the first of many initiatives in his role to raise awareness and engage with local providers and users of mental health support services in Harlow.

YCT is a counselling and therapeutic support charity specialising in helping children and young people.

Councillor Beckett will kick start his challenge this Saturday (2 July 2016) by taking part in Harlow parkrun in the Town Park.

Councillor Ian Beckett, said: “I visited the doctor recently and was told I need to lose three stone. Losing weight is never an easy thing to do but if I can raise money for YCT while doing it, this will make it even more worthwhile. YCT is a locally based charity which supports young people and children to get through very challenging times. The service they provide supports young people’s emotional health and wellbeing and as the Council’s mental health champion I want to start raising awareness of the great work and support which is available in the town.

“We are fortunate in Harlow to have such a great range of sports facilities and things to do which can keep both mind and body in good shape. Harlow parkrun is a fantastic initiative and as part of my challenge I am committed to joining the parkrun movement and will be running each week over the next six months, including the Christmas parkrun, all in the name of YCT.”

Lindsay Fox, Director of Young Concern Trust, says: “YCT was very pleased to hear Ian would be running on behalf of us. YCT believes in good health all round, and knows the amazing benefits exercise and a healthy lifestyle can have on not just your physical but also mental and emotional health. We fully support what Ian is doing, as well as being incredibly appreciative that he is raising money and awareness for YCT’s work.”

To sponsor Councillor Beckett and raise money for YCT visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/IanBeckett

For further details on the services Young Concern Trust provide visit www.yctsupport.com, telephone 01279 414090 or email [email protected]