A north Norfolk man running a marathon to raise thousands for a mental health charity has said he is taking part in memory of a friend who took his own life.
Running the London marathon had been a lifelong goal for 32-year-old Mitchell Hare.
But the Holt bartender said he was spurred on to take part in the gruelling challenge in support of the mental health charity Mind after the loss of a friend to suicide.
Mr Hare said: 'I've had friends who've taken their own lives. My friend who I used to run with a few years ago took his own life and I'll think of him on the day.
'We became friends through running. If there was a race, we'd always talk and do it together, to have a bit of company.'
Mr Hare said it could be difficult to know when to offer support, and said: 'He had a really good life from the outside.'
And he added that, while taking part in the 26.2 mile race had always been a dream, he chose the charity to support after struggling with his own mental health.
'I've always wanted to run the London Marathon,' he said.
'My dad did one in 2000 when I was 13 and ever since I saw that medal, I wanted one.
'I could have done it when I was in my twenties but I had a gambling addiction.
'I lost a lot of money and I lost a lot of time and respect from family and friends.
'I kept making up excuses for why I couldn't do it. I've always wanted to and now there's nothing stopping me.'
He added: 'Mind are a great charity who understand addiction as well as depression and anxiety.
'I'm doing it for myself but its also a form of payback to my family and friends, who have supported me.'
And Mr Hare, who works at the Feathers Hotel, in Holt, said his colleagues had been 'unbelievable with their support'.
'They've been really great to me,' he said.
'We've got a charity box on the bar and some of the customers have put money in.'
He is aiming to raise £2,500, and has so far reached a total of £1,600, which has left him 'feeling confident'.
Mr Hare is holding a charity quiz and raffle night in the hotel's Gresham's suite, on Thursday, April 4, to help him get closer to his target.
To donate to Mitchell's marathon for Mind, visit his JustGiving page.
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