Chesterfield FC fans to battle mental health 'demons' with fundraising challenge

The team of four Spireites hope to depart from Chesterfield at 6am on December 3 and reach Skegness 12 hours later.

They are all members of Spireites Football for Life, a mental health football club/support network run by Chesterfield FC, and say they want to help remove the stigma around mental health problems and encourage people that it is ‘ok to not be ok’.

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Organiser Jordan Wade, 31, a photographer and cobbler from Chesterfield, suffers from anxiety himself and says he wants to support other people who feel ‘like they are alone’.

He said: “There are days when I feel like no matter what I do nothing is good enough.

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"What I've learned is that as much as you might want to face this alone, having good friends and family around you really does help.

"I have found that talking about it really helps me. Mental health affects everyone differently and just because someone looks happy on the outside doesn't mean that they are on the inside.”

Jordan will be taking part in the ride, along with Kris Liggatt, 28, from Holmewood; James Roddis, 30, from Tupton and Nathan Droniuk, 28, from Grangewood, Chesterfield.

Kris said: “Mental health is something that has affected my family for years. There is not enough out there for mental illness and there's still a stigma around the subject.

"In these dark times there are people out there who will be suffering more than anyone can see.

"I'm doing this to show them that together we can fight these horrible demons.

"With the right help you can win the battle with your mind. We will all suffer on the journey and we're going to have a massive challenge ahead of us, but as brothers together we can support one another and smash these 90 miles for those who need us.”

The lads are asking people to make a donation ‘as small or as big as they can afford’, and say even £1 can make a massive difference.

To sponsor them, or for more information, visit the fundraising page

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.