Man to run 50km for men's mental health awareness

Rob Jones is fundraising for the Somewhere House charity in Somerset

A man is running an ultramarathon to raise awareness for men's mental health and addiction.

Rob Jones, from Nailsea, Somerset, said the statistics for men taking their own lives are "frankly horrifying".

The 47-year-old wants to encourage people not to suffer in silence after his own experience with addiction.

He will take part in the Bath Two Tunnels in August whilst raising money for Somewhere House charity.

Rob has been sober for more than ten years and now has a seven-month-old daughter

The race, which will take place on 18 August, covers 50km (31 miles), with 20km of it being underground when runners will enter the former Somerset & Dorset Railway's revamped tunnels.

Rob says "there is a better way of living" after dealing with his addiction and mental health struggles.

"Whilst the ultramarathon is not solely about that, it seemed fitting as someone with lived experience, I could just do my bit and raise some money."

He said the training has been intense, with practice runs already exceeding the length of a marathon.

Rob wants his fundraiser to make a difference

"You don't have to know me, just get behind and see if you can make a difference and in turn you could save somebody's life," he added.