A Wigan teenager has been taking on a mammoth running challenge to raise money and awareness for mental health.

Tom Blakely is running 110km across the month of November to fund-raise for Andy’s Man Club and the State of Mind project.

The 15-year-old Shevington High pupil was inspired to do the challenge after becoming more aware of his own mental health.

Tom’s mum Catherine Blakely said: “Over the past sort of 10 months we’ve lost people in our lives who were very important to us.

"He lost his great-nan and we lost a very close friends and he said that it made him feel a little bit sad.

"It has probably made him more aware of the importance of good mental health and what you can do to help it.

"November has been Men’s Mental Health Month. He wanted to do something and he’s quite active but he didn’t want to do something that he does anyway.

"He wanted to do something that would push him out of his comfort zone.

"When we looked at how to fit it in around his timetable, he looked at how far he could run.

"Originally he was going to run 100km and then he said he wanted to push himself a bit further.”

It is not the first time Tom has completed a fitness challenge for charity.

In 2021, the then 10-year-old cycled 225 miles in 15 days for Cancer Research after being inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore.

Despite the weather conditions, Tom has made sure he completes his run each day and has raised more than £600 so far.

Catherine added: “He is a trooper, his mindset is very good if he puts his mind to it he’ll do it.

"He wants to make a difference and make that impact.

"I can’t even tell you how proud we are of him.

"He’s just got such a good heart.

"He’s got a younger sister as well who’s 11 and she’s saying how proud she is of him.

"He’s setting that example for her.”

You can also follow his journey on Facebook: Run for the Mind - Toms 110k in November

A remarkable Wigan teenager has been running 110km during November for men's mental health