A SOUTH Lakes horticultural mental health charity is asking people to sign up to R.E.D January as a way to fundraise and beat the month’s blues.

Run Every Day (R.E.D) January is a 31-day challenge to walk or run each day of the month with the aim of getting people into exercise and feeling better.

Growing Well, based at Low Sizergh Farm and offering support for those with mental health difficulties, is getting involved.

General manager, Clairelouise Chapman said: “One amazing nine-year-old has already pledged to raise money for us and Bay Search and Rescue with R.E.D January,” said Clairelouise.

“Nancy Carr has also persuaded her mum Bex to join her with a daily 2k run and dad Darran will also be running and raising money for us.”

Bex Carr, an occupational therapist at Growing Well, said her daughter is committed to fundraising for local causes and chose Bay Search and Rescue and Growing Well.

“I’m doing it for Growing Well because it helps people with mental health issues and they don’t always get the chance to do things," Nancy said. "I’m doing it for Bay Search and Rescue because they help people who get stuck or trapped on the bay and they save lives. In fact both charities save lives in different ways."

Nancy's mum said she and Nancy started running last year whereas her husband, a local postman, is more experienced and competes in the Lakeland Trails series.

“Physical activity is great for your mental health and this challenge could be a positive boost to an otherwise potentially gloomy month. Run – or even hop, skip or jump – to suit your level of fitness every day in January and fundraise to get Growing Well moving," Clairelouise said.

“Any money raised will be used to help Growing Well beneficiaries improve their fitness, including taking part in RED January. Getting moving will complement the other therapies that we use to promote mental good health; they include growing fruit and vegetables, cooking in the field kitchen and helping with the running of the charity."

Every year Growing Well helps more than 100 people who are feeling depressed, anxious or finding everyday life difficult.

To support Nancy and her family, visit: https://mydonate.bt.com/events/growingwellfitties/451294