A DORCHESTER hotel manager is gearing up to raise cash for a mental health charity by cycling more than 350 miles in 12 days.

Steve Chaldecott, manager of the Wessex Royale Hotel, in High Street West, will be hopping on his bike to cycle from Dorchester to Land's End and then back again to raise £1,000 for Dorset Mind.

Mr Chaldecott said the motivation behind the project was to help others suffering with mental health issues, which he admitted to battling with himself.

He will undertake the challenge when it is safe to do so after the lockdown ends.

He said: "Coronavirus has affected everyone and has taken a hit on many people's mental health.

"Constant lockdowns have taken a toll on people's relationships with each other.

"I've suffered from mental health issues myself - so I wanted to do something which helps people who are struggling."

The Dorchester businessman has already raised around £12,600 for the national charity Mind.

During the first lockdown Mr Chaldecott was sponsored for a series of projects including 25 press-ups a day for 25 days, moving on to 75 days trekking around Dorset, then guess the location cycling tours.

Mr Chaldecott originally planned his cycle journey in October, but he was stopped in his tracks by Covid-19 restrictions.

He said: "The plan is to do this cycle ride whenever national lockdown ends.

"I would imagine mental health charities such as Dorset Mind will be inundated with people in need of their help.

"I'm in no way at the peak of my fitness so this is a personal challenge for me, and could inspire others to take up exercising more when we're free to do so in the future."

Marianne Storey, Dorset Mind CEO, said: "We're extremely grateful Steve has chosen to raise mental health awareness and much-needed funds for us during such challenging times. Riding to Land's End from Dorchester is an incredible feat.

"Getting active is one of the proven steps of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing and we're very keen to encourage it.

"It's something the majority of us can do whether at home or by going outside, adhering to restrictions obviously."

The pub manager said he is already planning to raise more cash for mental health services with the National Three Peaks Challenge, which includes climbing Ben Nevis, in Scotland, Scafell Pike, in Cumbria, and Snowden, in Wales.

Going forward, Mr Chaldecott said he hopes to get 'back in business' as he is set to reopen the Wessex Royale Hotel by March 1, after the venue has gone under renovation, including three new bathrooms.

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