Fitness enthusiasts and good friends Ty Temel and Dan Chambers today launch a year-long fundraising campaign of physical challenges for mental health charity, Dorset Mind.
The ‘Mind Over Matter’ programme offers a variety of extreme challenges for the adventurous, alongside some inclusive challenges that more people can take part in.
Dorset Mind hopes the campaign will inspire a whole community of people to reap the benefits of getting active on their wellbeing.
It will also raise vital funds to help the charity expand its vital local mental health services to meet the ever-increasing need for support in Dorset.
The first event – 4x4x48 at the Hilton Bournemouth – involves running four miles every four hours for 48 hours between now and Sunday, January 28.
Held in conjunction with Rise Bournemouth and the Sole Clinic, Ty and Dan will be joined by other members of the ‘Mind Over Matter’ community.
Other challenges planned are the Vitality Bournemouth Bay Run in March, Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge in May and the Iceland Fire and Ice Trek during September.
Every challenge will be led by either leisure and hospitality entrepreneur Ty, who’s also a charity ambassador for Dorset Mind, and Dan – and sometimes both men.
Ty Temel said: “As an ambassador for Dorset Mind and advocate of the positive benefits of getting active on mental health, we created Mind Over Matter to inspire our local community to come together for this brilliant cause – and have fun whilst doing so.
“The timing of this is especially welcomed as people are struggling with their mental health right now.
“Having a purpose and belonging to a community will give people a supportive network of like-minded people, and importantly, get them active.”
Dan added: “We’ve created a variety of events, designed to include as many people as possible.
“Whilst the 4x4x48 Challenge is aimed at the fitness community, February’s challenge of 10,000 steps per day is more accessible and achievable for a wider group.”
Dorset Mind’s CEO, Linda O’Sullivan said: “We’re incredible grateful to Ty and Dan for creating this exciting campaign and active fundraising community who are passionate about their own wellbeing – and helping others.
“More than ever, local people are turning to us for mental health support – Ty and Dan’s challenges will enable us to help those who need it most.
“Dorset Mind is extremely appreciative of all our supporters and fundraisers for their generosity and valuable time.”
Dorset Mind Patron and Principal Academic at Bournemouth University, Dr Andy Mayers, said: “As Dorset Mind Patron, I welcome any effort to help us raise much needed funds, but Ty and Dan are going above and beyond here.
“This will go such a long way to help us support more people across Dorset. I am deeply grateful.”
To join Ty and Dan in their fundraising endeavours or to find out more about the ‘Mind Over Matter’ community and their planned schedule of events visit Dorset Mind’s website here.