BMX rider Chris Mills has made his way through Kendal today as he pedals from John O Groats in Scotland to Hastings on the south coast.

His 19-day ride has come about as he is involved in a project called "New Beginnings" and he is wanting to raise awareness of mental health issues.

Chris was welcomed into Kendal last night by his friend Ben Gerrish who lives in the area. The pair enjoyed a 50mph hill bomb down Shap on their way into town.

Ben, who showed Chris around the Kendal route, said: “Chris is completing the entire feat on a standard BMX you’d be more likely to see at the local skate park.”

"So much has been learnt along the way, each day finding better and more efficient way to travel and navigate.”

Chris set off from Kendal this morning to continue his journey southwards.

Ben said that Chris was in Scotland at a Pro BMX tour when he found out his good friend Michael Hammond had taken his own life.

“I was achieving one of my biggest dreams, I was high on life.” Said Chris. “From the moment I heard what happened, everything changed.”

That was back in 2011, and now Chris has got back on the bike to complete his journey down the UK, covering 70 miles a day.

Chris wants to see more mindful and safe treatments of mental health issues, and said: “It took me a long time to confront my own mental health. I kept myself distracted from it for years, struggling with questions in the back of my mind.

“I want to pick up where I left off, get back on the BMX and do what I can to keep raising awareness. The ride is dedicated to Michael Hammond, to help raise awareness in his name.”

Chris thinks mental health problems need to be talked about more, saying: “We need to make some noise, and start trying to make a difference, and I’m doing that by putting my own body on the line and challenging my own mental health.”

Chris has currently raised nearly £2,000 towards his £5,000 target which he intends to use to raise awareness of mental health.

To follow the journey visit: Facebook - www.facebook.com/NewBeginningsMovement; Instagram - @newbeginningsmovement; Twitter - www.twitter.com/NewBeginningsMH.

To make a donation visit: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/johnogroatstohasting