AN AYR man will cycle this summer from John O’Groats to Lands End in aid of mental health charity MIND.

Craig England, who was brought up and attended school in Ayr, will set off in August and hopes to complete his journey within 10 days.

Speaking about his upcoming challenge, Craig, who will turn 30 during his epic cycle, said: “A few people have heard me talking about this over the past couple of years as something that I have always wanted to do.

“I will complete 1000 miles over 10 days from the top of Scotland to the bottom of England. 

“With August being the month of my 30th birthday, what better time to do it?

“Here is a little bit of context for why I am doing this.

“Supporting a mental health charity like ‘Mind’ is imperative to breaking down the stigma attached to mental health that we often see and feel in society today.

“Knowing that there is an organisation out there that will listen with 100 per cent confidentiality can be such a comfort for a person who doesn’t know where to turn to in times of turmoil.

“Mental health doesn’t affect any particular age group or gender. 

“It can affect everyone.

“My challenge will push me to my physical limits but it pales into insignificance compared to someone living with a mental health issue and having the feeling that there is no-one to talk to.

“If one person sees a sign, an ad, or hears about Mind through the money that is donated then it will all be worth it.”

Craig now lives and works, as a web developer, in Edinburgh.

He was also a member of Northfield Bowling Club in Ayr and is well known in the Ayrshire and Scottish bowling fraternity as he was capped for Scotland at both Under 25 and Senior levels.

In 2009 he won the World Under 25 Bowling Championship in Warilla, NSW, Australia.

Craig will set out on his adventure from John O’ Groats on Sunday, August 13 and hopes to complete the journey in 10 days as well as celebrate his 30th birthday on August 28 along the way.

Craig’s parents will wave him off at the startline and wish him all the best.

He is trying to reach £25,000 but needs support through his justgiving page - www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mindcharitybikeride