MEMBERS of Bradford Council’s Customer Service centre staff are celebrating after raising hundreds of pounds for the mental health charity Mind.

The 20 members of the Bradford Face-to-Face team took part in the charity’s 100 Miles in May challenge with three of them completing the gruelling task of walking 100 miles in one month.

The other members of the team supported the main walkers by accompanying them on long and short hikes, providing help and encouragement as well as fundraising. For taking part they all received souvenir T-shirts from Mind.

The walkers used pedometers to measure out 100 miles which were all done as extra to their normal day-to-day walking activities, making it much more of a challenge.

The team said: “It was very tough but the support we received from our colleagues, friends and family made it all worthwhile.

“We wanted to help raise awareness and break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues because of our own experience in the past with issues of depression and anxiety.

Bradford City to display mental health charity's banner

“It’s also true that walking in the outdoors is great for everyone’s mental health and well-being, so we wanted to promote those benefits.”

The team managed to raise more than £400 for the charity. They also took part in activities as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, also to help Mind.

Lucy Lloyd, Senior Fundraising Officer at Mind, said: “We are thrilled to hear that employees of Bradford Council took part in our 100 Miles in May challenge. During this pandemic, millions of us have experienced a mental health problem, or seen a loved one struggle.

“That’s why people need our support more than ever. The awareness and funds the team raised will help us to step up the fight for mental health. That means fighting for change, for fairness, for respect and for life-changing support.”