A WEST Devon man is taking an active approach to tackling mental health problems by riding four thousand miles around mainland Britain.

As the rest of the UK take a bank holiday break on May 2, Graeme Willgress, 51 from Hatherleigh, will set off on his 'Ride2Recovery' cycle tour, which could take around four months to complete.

Graeme is raising money to support the charity Sustrans and its flagship project the National Cycle Network, which he credits with helping to turn his life around following a breakdown in 2006.

He said: 'I have suffered with mental health issues since I was 17. My illness has elements of clinical depression, extreme anxiety and borderline personality disorder.

'As a result of my last breakdown in 2006 I lost everything, my home, my career as a teacher and my partner. 

'Starting cycling again in 2009 after a 20-year break has helped me tackle my illness in a positive way that no other therapy or medication could do.

'The chemical effect of exercising and the feeling of freedom that being out on my bike brings has had a profound effect on my condition.

'I have become fitter, my self-esteem is higher and I'm discovering new places and people all the time.'

Graeme began cycling again on Route 27, the Tarka Trail, a traffic-free path that runs right past his Hatherleigh home.

The Tarka Trail is just one section of Sustrans' 12,600 mile National Cycle Network which extends right across the UK. 

Graeme said: 'The fact that my local route is traffic-free was very important as my concentration levels were poor. It's thanks to Sustrans that people across the country have access to this amazing Network and can cycle and walk to benefit not just their physical health but mental health too. That's why I want to raise money to support it.'

Graeme hopes that campsites along the way will help support the ride by offering a night's stay and that people will sponsor his ride at http://www.justgiving.com/Graeme-Willgress">www.justgiving.com/Graeme-Willgress and help him surpass his £2,500 target.

To find out more about Sustrans visit http://www.sustrans.org.uk">www.sustrans.org.uk