A teenager from Derbyshire is going to take on a 100-mile challenge for a mental health charity.
Delkin Collins has pledged to walk 100 miles throughout the month of April to raise funds for Andy’s Man Club.
The charity hosts open talking groups around the country for men over the age of 18 to share their problems and support one another.
But the 16-year-old from Chesterfield has first-hand experience of the challenges that face many young men in society.
Collins said, “I chose to support Andy’s man club because growing up I’ve always struggled with my mental health and, being a lad, I thought that holding it in and not telling anyone was the best thing to do.
“I also have autism which makes it harder for me to talk about my feelings and I didn’t want anyone to think I was weak.
“There is a massive stigma at the moment that men can’t talk about their problems and it’s taking the lives of so many people that deserve that support.
“Andy’s man club is an amazing charity that is changing lives for the better and deserves so much funding.”
The teenager attributed physical activity and being outdoors as having a hugely positive impact on his own mental health, saying that he aspires to one day compete as a strongman.
The Derbyshire youngster completed a sponsored walk for Dementia UK last year raising £1250 and is aiming to raise similar figures this time around.
“I hope to raise at least £1000 and with the support of everyone around me I’m more than confident that I can achieve that.
“I will be completing the challenge in my hometown Chesterfield, and I will hopefully have people join me along the way.
“My friends and family have been very supportive, sharing and donating – one of my teachers at school will be joining me for a lot of it too!”
Before he embarks on his latest challenge, Delkin had one message that he wanted to leave people with.
He said, “I’ve asked myself what’s one message that I have for the world, and I’ve decided that mine is drop the stigma and start speaking to your friends and family.
“I would rather a friend speak to me than for me to have to go to their funeral.
“But you also never know what someone is going through, so treat everyone the way that you want to be treated.”
