Charity chief begins 230 mile cycle ride from Exeter (From This is The West Country)

Charity chief begins 230 mile cycle ride from Exeter

5:43pm Tuesday 28th August 2012 in Devon

THE chief executive of the national charity Rethink Mental Illness today launched his bid to cycle 230 miles to raise money for the charity in Exeter .

Paul Jenkins will cycle from Exeter to Lincoln in four days to fundraise for the charity and raise awareness of mental illness. Before he set off this morning, Mr Jenkins visited the charity’s project in Exeter, which helps people in with mental illness achieve a better quality of life.

Ian Bowden, who works for the charity in Exeter and is cycling with Mr Jenkins part of the way, said: “We’re delighted that Paul visited this project which gives people with mental illness an alternative to residential care or hospital.

"Our staff support people either in their own home or in our residential houses, to integrate back into the community. They do this by providing emotional and practical support, such as help with socialising, money management or shopping.”

Mr Jenkins is aiming to raise £5,000 in total. He said:”I’m delighted to have visited our project in Exeter. The staff here work tirelessly to support people with a mental illness become an active part of their community.

“Severe mental illness can be devastating but Rethink Mental Illness is there to make a difference, whether through offering information, advice and peer support, campaigning for better services or changes in attitudes or through providing mental health services.

“As a charity, we are lucky to have so many dedicated supporters and members who push themselves to the limit to raise money for us. As the CEO, I wanted to do my bit by getting on my bike to support the cause I’m passionate about.”

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/Paul-Jenkins7/