A LOCAL cyclist is to stage a 24 hour marathon static-bike ride on March 27 at Tesco in Haverfordwest to raise vital funds for Pembrokeshire’s Mind charity.

Local fundraiser: Lee Anson hopes to raises thousands for Mind.

Lee Anson suffered a family tragedy 3 years ago when his brother Mike Anson sadly took his own life as a result of severe depression. Lee spoke exclusively this week with The Herald and explained the reasoning behind what will be a gruelling 24 hours.

“In my mind after Mikey passed I wanted to do something to raise awareness for something that has a lot of stigma. Not enough people talk about mental health. We all suffer it at some point in our life but some of us don’t realise we are suffering with it. I myself have suffered and continue to – not to the extremes of my brother – fortunately, some of us come out of those dark places. There is always someone you can talk to. Michael was such a loud personality and really well liked – he hid his mental health problems so well – even on the day he passed he seemed normal, you wouldn’t have known. It’s very difficult to diagnose. I had been chatting with Mind since before Christmas. They are a Samaritan-style support network for people with mental health problems; you call them and they try and help you.”

The Herald wanted to know what sort of equipment was needed for such a feat and also what had inspired Lee to pick cycling for his fundraiser. He continued: “I’ve cycled for a lot of years and used to compete. I thought why not do something I enjoy and make it as difficult as I can for myself. I was going to do 12 hours but felt that wouldn’t be too much of a struggle. I have a normal road bike set up on a turbo trainer that applies magnetic resistance to the back wheel. I’m going to attempt to do 400 miles at about 85- 100 revs per minute, and an average speed of 15-17mph. I am sponsored by ‘Mike’s Bikes’ in Haverfordwest who will provide everything I need for the day; kit, wheels, sports drinks, etc.”

He went on to explain what preparations he has made, and the diet required for the ride. “I have taken a lot of advice – from Iron Man competitors. The key is avoiding salt loss and dehydration and keeping up calorie intake. I’ll burn between 600 to 800 calories an hour – so I need easily digestible food. I don’t think I’ll run out of food in Tescos! I still have to do some research on how much fluid I need, but as a rule about 750 ml per hour. Sweat is the biggest enemy and for the ‘sensitive areas’ there is a cream. I will change when my clothes are saturated, and pause for toilet breaks too. It’s about carb loading prior to the event so that I have a reserve tank. I’ll probably need about 150-200 calories per half hour.”

He then explained that he would need endurance to get through the full 24 hours and had support that would be invaluable for the event. Lee informed us that he would have another bike next to him where people can join him and offer support, but also could come along if they just wanted someone to have a chat with. On how much money he wanted to raise he finished by stating: “I chose that weekend as it’s the weekend before Easter; if you can spend a fiver on an egg I’m sure a pound would be OK so hopefully we will raise a lot and get some support – I’d love to say thousands – but it will be what it is and hopefully people will be generous.”

The Herald will be following the event and would encourage support and donations which can be made by going to the website www.justgiving. com or simply by turning up on the day and donating then, as well as offering some support for Lee. The award for innovative fundraising – for organisations that have run campaigns or events demonstrating creativity and innovation in fundraising.

WINNER

Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association Youth Group was set up to help Merthyr Housing reach its goal of raising the aspirations and life experiences of its young people through education and fundraising.

RUNNERS-UP

Inner Wheel District 15 is part of the largest women’s organisation in the world. The District has 31 clubs across West and South Wales, and in 2013 – 2014 raised more than £30,000 for charities.

Xcel Project– Towy Community Church in Johnstown, Carmarthen – the only charity-run bowling alley in the UK. Proceeds are invested back into the community through a foodbank and a recycled furniture project.

Award for the most admired organisation – for organisations most respected for their inspirational work and the causes they represent.

WINNER

Swansea-based Ethnic Youth Support Team (EYST), which was set up in 2005 by a group of ethnic minority young people to fill a gap in provision for young BME people aged 11 to 25 by providing a culturally sensitive and holistic support service to meet their needs.

RUNNERS-UP

Taking Flight Theatre Company was founded to promote complete inclusivity for disabled actors.

Time to Change Wales, the first national campaign to address the stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental health problems.