AN optometrist will be walking 40 miles in just 24 hours to raise awareness of mental health.

Dr Gillian Rudduck, a consultant optometrist at Wirral University Teaching Hospital tragically lost her father in 2012 after he took his own life after battling with mental health.

She is now taking on the Mind Hike event to raise cash for Mind which offers support for people living with mental health.

Gillian will be joined by her husband Julian who also works for the NHS in Wirral and between them they aim to raise more than £2,500.

She said "Every week in the UK nearly 100 people take their own lives.

"It's a shocking statistic. I’m taking part in this event for Mind because I really believe in their cause.

“We, as a family know the devastating effects of mental illness after my Dad took his own life in 2012. Coming to terms with losing a loved one in this way is not a journey I would want anyone to experience.

"The money raised will fund vital work including the Mind Infoline, advice services and the campaigning Mind does.”

They will be part of a team taking part in the event, which takes place on the rugged coastline of Cornwall.

This is the second challenge they have taken on for the charity, which is close to their hearts.

Julian added: “In 2014 we were joined by an amazing group of people on a bike ride the length of the Leeds Liverpool canal for Mind.

"Many fell off, one fell in but the final sum raised was over £6000. We hope this challenge is going to be a little drier. Now it's time to do something more to support people living with mental illness."

To support Gillian and Julian please donate via https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JulianandGillian