A MAN who has battled mental health problems has told of how friends and family helped him on his road to recovery.

Richard Flather, from Blackburn, suffered from severe depression and anxiety and has relied on the support of loved ones to get better.

The 39-year-old lost his job, wife and house during his battle but with the help of carers has now turned his life around.

He is set to take part in a 177-mile walk from Chepstow to Prestatyn to raise money for the Blackburn with Darwen Carers service that supported his loved ones.

Mr Flather, of Audley Range, who takes anti-depressants to manage his mental health problems, said: “I chose this cause after suffering from mental ill health ten years ago and seeing directly the role of carers and how they need support as much as those with an illness or disability.

“Without support carers can themselves become ill and find it hard to continue carrying for their loved ones.”

He said the money raised will go towards setting up a new mental health carers support group for the service.

The money will enable the service to facilitate a group and have a budget for carers to take part in activities and workshops and for speakers to come and talk to the groups.

Mr Flather, who works for Lancashire County Council, said: “The carers service would also like to increase their counselling and therapy side to support carers and those suffering with poor mental health.

“I think this is a fantastic cause and one that needs more recognition.

“According to the carers UK website carers save the economy 132 billion a year, many cares cannot work and claim carers allowance which is equivalent to £1.85 a hour.

“In Blackburn with Darwen there are an estimated 16,000 unpaid carers so support for this group is vital.”

To raise money, Mr Flather has planned the walk along Offa’s Dyke which follows the English and Welsh border.

He will aim to complete the walk over 12 days as a solo effort carrying all his own camping equipment.

To raise awareness, he will also be doing several talks on his mental health experiences before the walk and will post dates on his Facebook page.

Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service are also having a Mental Health Awareness day on May 15 between 9.30am and 12.30pm at their offices where Mr Flather will be speaking.

He added: “I am doing this as a sponsored event raising money for Blackburn With Darwen Carers Service.

“I have decided to do this as many carers go unrecognised and need support themselves in the fantastic job they do for their loved ones. As part of the fundraising I am organising talks detailing my experience of my mental heath when I was unwell 10 years ago and the role carers played in my recovery.”

To follow Mr Flather’s progress and donate money, visit his Facebook page Walking for Carers.

People can also donate by going into the Blackburn With Darwen Carers Service office on Kingsway, Greenhurst Place.