Tyrhys Dolan continued in his bid to raise awareness of mental health when leading an EFL initiative at Ewood Park.

The Rovers winger teamed up with Rovers’ Community Trust and local residents to kick off the ‘Mile for Mind’ programme which will see clubs across the country open up their stadiums to allow participates to do a lap of their pitch’s perimeter.

Dolan, who was recently named Rovers’ PFA Club Community Champion, was joined by members of the ‘Jack’s Walkers’, who used to meet at Ewood every Tuesday morning to walk for an hour around the pitch.

It was the first time in over 12 months that the group had stepped foot inside the stadium after the weekly session was forced to stop following the outbreak of Covid-19. 

And the 19-year-old said it was important for him to take part in a bid to continue to spread the awareness and importance of mental health.

“It’s massive for me to have come here and walk and talk with some supporters. Some of the ladies have been coming to Ewood for so many years and I thought it was great to learn more about them,” he said.

“A lot of people have been isolated this year, so for them to come back to the stadium and see one of the players was great. I think it will keep them looking forward. It’s been a blessing for me to come here and do what I love every single day, and just to be doing this has put a smile on my face, it’s lifted me.

“I’m really thankful to the club and the supporters. When I was a kid, I always said that if I got into the position of being a footballer, I’d want to care about everything and give something back. Whenever there’s a chance to show my gratitude, I’ll do it. I want to be a role model and set an example.”

Mental health awareness is close to Dolan’s heart, the teenager having lost close friend, footballer Jeremy Wisten, last year.

“I’ve struggled personally and I think it’s so important to raise awareness – and days like this are amazing. If we keep putting positivity out there, it can go such a long way,” He added.

“I’ve got a little necklace with a picture of Jeremy in and I look at that before every game. That’s my bigger reason to go out there and give it everything, I want to make him and his family proud.

 “I’d say to anyone that's struggling ‘it’s been a tough time, but keep your head up and keep going’. Day by day, you’re going to keep getting better, so don’t give up. You’ve got to keep strong and keep stepping in the right direction and hopefully we can do that together.”

For more information about Mind’s partnership with the EFL, .