Phil has charity in mind

Phil Winnington, international business director at Shrewsbury headquartered Morris Site Machinery, was recently joined by friends, colleagues and well-wishers as he completed his Five-a-Day mission to run 25K across five days in aid of Mind.

To promote a healthy lifestyle and mind, each day Phil donned a t-shirt which represented fruit from an individual’s Five-a-Day. The run saw him cover ground in Shrewsbury, Wolverhampton, Cheshire and North Wales as well as 5K around the football pitch at league two side Crewe Alexandra, all in memory of his friend Julia.

Not only did this run suit Phil’s sporting capabilities, but doing this over five consecutive days also symbolised how mental illness is not just a one day thing, it is embedded in the mind day after day with individuals living with the illness for long periods of time.

He has already smashed his initial £555.55 target on his online fundraising page and is currently at £1000.55 (plus Gift Aid).

Following his challenge, Phil said: “This was the biggest personal charity challenge I have ever done, but it was worth every second. It was a proud moment each day I crossed the finish line and I couldn’t have done it without the support of everyone.

“My aim was to do something positive and to raise the awareness of mental illness after losing my friend Julia back in 2013 and I am completely overwhelmed with how generous everyone has been already. I have nearly doubled my target which is just astonishing - on to the next challenge.”

Mind is a mental health charity in England and Wales offering information and advice to people with mental health problems and works to raise public awareness and understanding of issues relating to mental health. To find out more, contact the charity on 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk