A woman who experienced “a very difficult couple of years” will take on an overnight walk to fundraise for a mental health charity.

The London 2 Brighton Challenge, which covers 62 miles from Richmond in London to Brighton will return on May 25

Joanne Atkins, a 42-year-old from Watford, will take on the ‘Action challenge’ 100km London to Brighton walk for her fifth fundraiser.

Joanne has previously raised money for Battersea Dog and Cats Home due to her love of animal welfare but is now raising money for mental health charity Mind through her own experience of mental health problems - both her own and those of loved ones.

Joanne said: “The reason behind this is that it has been a very difficult couple of years for me which was all very hard and distressing and has had a detrimental effect on my own mental health too and has made me realise how vital organisations like Mind are.

“Having the right help, advise and counselling could save someone’s life.”

Any sponsorship Joanne raises will help the charity supports individuals with mental health issues through online services.

Joanne has taken part in the 11km challenge since 2015 and despite injury Joanne will return this year with a target of under 22 hours.

Joanne said: “I decided never again after the last one, but I soon changed my mind after thinking about that sense of pride, achievement and euphoria when I reached the finish line!”

Her fundraising target is a minimum of £595. Donations will aid Mind to support those with mental health issues and improve services as well as awareness.

Joanne is aiming for an official sponsor to donate a prize for her competition for those who donate on her just giving page.

To donate there is a just giving pagehttps://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joatkinsmind. Information cab be accessed on her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Fundraising-for-Mind-London-2-Brighton-Challenge-2019-279084172812720/.