A CYCLIST who is pedalling the full UK coastline to raise money for a male suicide charity was in Ayr last week.

Lewis Stephens is taking on the challenge to raise cash for Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) and is looking to spread the message for anyone to seek help whenever they need it.

Lewis stayed at the Heads of Ayr caravan site whilst visiting and was given two nights for free by the generous owner.

Lewis told the Ayr Advertiser: “The people in Ayr were awesome, it was a great opportunity to recharge things and recuperate.

“I was amazed by the amount of people that are affected by mental health and suicide prevention.

“When I told the owner what I was doing he was happy to let me stay for free, someone else gave me money for food and offered to donate online.”

The keen cyclist is also testing himself on a budget of £5 per day and when funds are low he is not shy to ask for help, which is something Lewis believes a lot of men have to do more of.

“The reason I am doing this is to encourage asking for help whenever you need it. That is the message that really needs to be put forward for mental health, men never ask for help.

“There’s too many out there who are taking on too much debt, too much responsibility and they feel they can’t talk about it.

“I want to encourage men to ask for help at any opportunity that they need it.”

Lewis, who stays near London, was left inspired to take on the challenge for CALM after overcoming his own battle with mental health and drug addiction.

He has passed through Ayrshire via Arran and will now head further North.