A MAN ran the equivalent of 12 marathons in order to raise money for a national support charity.

Ryan Saunders had planned to run in the Great North Run to raise money for the mental health charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) but that it was cancelled due to Covid-19.

Instead of running the half marathon of 13 miles Ryan took to the streets in his home town of Northallerton and ran 320 miles throughout the month of August, the equivalent of 12 full marathons.

Ryan raised £565 for CALM through sponsorships.

Just over a year ago, Ryan came close to taking his own life when the stress of a delayed house move triggered the mental health problems he has struggled with for most of his life.

The intervention from the mental health support team at Broadacres Housing association prevented him from proceeding with his plan to take tablets he had stockpiled from his medication.

Ryan said: “I started running in September 2019 and it was all very new to me. It began by joining a running and walking group set up by Hambleton District Council and then it was just as much about the social side of things than the actual running.

“Running had been recommended to me before, but I wasn’t ready for it until last year after I came close to taking my own life because of delays in getting myself and my family into our Broadacres’ home in Northallerton.

“I have struggled with my mental health most of my life but that was the very lowest point.

“Since then running and other things, such as being a host at The Living Rooms in Northallerton, has been great therapy for me and it’s now fair to say that my running has taken on a life of its own.

“I have gone from being a ‘fun’ runner doing the odd Park Run to just completing 320 miles in one month.

“I am very grateful to everyone who sponsored or supported me and hopefully this will inspire others who are having problems, whether it’s with their mental health or other issues.

“Running can be for everyone. Even a mile or two can make a huge difference to your physical and mental health and wellbeing.

“I know it has for me.”

Broadacres’ Customer Experience Director, Andy Powell said: “Ryan has just done something extraordinary and is a real inspiration. We’re proud of him.”

Broadacres is a not for profit housing association based in Northallerton.

Currently they own and manage more than 6,000 homes and was established in 1993 as a stock transfer in Hambleton.

They also provide a women’s refuge, young homeless accommodation and services for people with learning disabilities.