'My wellbeing walks have kept me afloat'

Shawn Leek says walking and keeping active has always helped him with his mental health

A life coach who has faced mental heath issues has said he is hoping to find a new sponsor for the wellbeing walks he organises.

Shawn Leek, from Colchester, who is known on social media as "the mental health runner", has been holding regular walks for three years.

He said he was inspired to help others after experiencing his own mental health struggles.

Funding he was receiving from a pilot scheme aimed at encouraging more people to take exercise has now come to an end, but Mr Leek said he is determined to carry on.

'More than just a walk'

He said exercise had always "kept him afloat" and he had decided to dedicate his life to helping others gain the benefits of keeping active.

"These walks that I do are far more than just a walk, they're not just about going on a walk as far as you can and as fast as you can," he added.

About 65-80 walkers attend the sessions across the week. Mr Leek said they help people facing loneliness and their own mental health issues.

Mr Leek said: "I want to keep the walks going for the community."