A Dorset woman has run over 100 miles in 10 weeks to raise money for those who suffer with mental health.

Juliet Hyslop, who is based in Weymouth, has suffered from depression and anxiety for many years.

She is running to raise funds for mental health charity, Dorset Mind, to help other people throughout the county who suffer from mental health issues.

Miss Hyslop used to enjoy running regularly but problems with her mental health forced her to stop.

At the start of April as the country began to enter the lockdown period, Miss Hyslop took a leap of faith and began running again in an attempt to free her mind from endless worrying thoughts regarding the pandemic.

Miss Hyslop said: “I've suffered with mental health issues for most of my adult life.

"There used to be a terrible stigma attached to mental health issues and I was never very open about it but I feel much more comfortable talking about these issues now.

"Running was a huge part of my life until about ten years ago when I came completely consumed by anxiety and depression.

"The pandemic forced me into a 'fight or flight' mode. I was terrified of coronavirus and it was consuming my every thought.

“I had to dig deeper than I have ever done before and find something that would help me through this awful time.

“I forced myself out of bed and into my running gear. It was extremely tough."

Over the past two months, Miss Hyslop has seen huge improvements both mentally and physically, viewing the running as a form of therapy.

She has logged over 200 miles so far.

She said: "On April 1 I managed my first 5k and it left me feeling tremendous for achieving something.

"By the end of May I realised I had actually achieved 100 miles. I couldn't believe it.

"Without the consistent support of all my loved ones, I'm not sure I could have done it.

"I've had massive support from Dorset Mind. They do tremendous work for mental health and in my view, they are life savers."

For more information or to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/juliet-hyslop3.