AN OSWESTRY barber says his desire to encourage people to talk about their mental health by raising money for MIND is driven by the memory of his much-loved mum.

Tom Young, who works at family-owned Hi-Style Barbers in Church Street, has been competing in a variety of middle distance events, such as the Aintree half-marathon in Liverpool later this month.

He will also be taking part in 10kms in Oswestry and Ellesmere, in October and next month respectively, and says he has been motivated by encouraging conversations for people with mental health problems.

Tom's mum Rachel died by suicide in 2019 and he want mental health to be as discussed as physical health.

"I’m doing this to raise money for the charity Mind which help people suffering with mental health issues," said Tom.

"I have chosen MIND because of the experiences me, my family and friends have had and hopefully the money will make a difference.

"I’m also doing this challenge in memory of my mum Rachel who after a battle with psychosis tragically took her own life on November 30, 2019.

"Mum was a proud hairdresser who ran her own salon for many years in Oswestry.

"She then moved away from the business side of the industry and went into education as a hairdressing tutor in our local college and helped many people (including me) on levels one, two and three hairdressing courses.

"She was a wife, mother, daughter, sister, an aunt; she was a grandmother, a teacher, friend.

"I miss her every day and want to honor her memory by raising money in her name.

"It's important that we all talk to each other openly about our mental health as we would ask about a cast on your arm.

"Hopefully me taking on this challenge raises some more awareness for mental health well being and break some of the stigma surrounding it."

Tom has been given support in his effort's, with Mr B's Barbers in Wrexham covering the entry fees for his races, and said training is going well with nearly 500km under his belt.

He added: "With training and the races I've so far ran 455km since the beginning of February.

"The fundraising is going well.

"I originally put the target amount at £250 as I've never done this sort of thing before and currently it's just under £1,000 which is brilliant.

"With the challenge now getting more awareness I'm hoping to add even more to the total. I'm excited to see what the amount raised will be at the end of the year."

To donate to Tom, head to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tom-young9989