A HAVERFORDWEST man cycled for 24 hours to raise over £3500 for mental health charity MIND.

Lee Anson, 43, undertook the gruelling static bike challenge at Tesco Haverfordwest in remembrance of his younger brother, Michael, and to encourage people to talk about mental health issues.

‘Mikeyboy’ Anson committed suicide in 2012. One of triplets, the popular boxing enthusiast was 37.

Since Mikey’s death, Lee has experienced depression himself and says people should not be afraid to talk to someone if they are having problems.

“It was great to raise the money, but it was even better to do something towards breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues,” he said. “I don’t have any trouble talking about my mental health problems. I’m proud that I can out my hand up and say that I suffer, and I do have my low days, but I’m lucky to have people around to pick me up and the mental strength to pick myself up. People need to speak out and get help.”

£2,222,43 of the £3,610 Lee raised has gone to MIND Pembrokeshire, with the rest bolstering to charity’s national funds.

““It was a crazy day. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of people who saw me at Tesco,” said Lee. “Over £300 was donated in the first hour, and so many people came up to me and started telling their stories and chatting about mental health issues. There were quite a few people who had lost loved ones to suicide, and were having problems talking about it.”

Director of MIND Pembrokeshire Tracey Price said the money would go towards training a member of staff in ‘Mood Master’ cognitive based therapy and providing the second level of a mindfulness course, building on work already done at MIND’s Quay Street-based centre in Haverfordwest.

“This money is an amazing contribution,” said Tracey. “We are very grateful to Lee for this.”