Employees of York-based housebuilder Persimmon have completed a gruelling 134-mile coast-to-coast bike ride in aid of mental heath.

In the run up to World Mental Health day this week, the team of six completed their journey in three days, travelling from Morecambe Bay to Scarborough raising over £1,600 for mental health charity York Mind.

Alyson Scott, CEO of York Mind this week visited Persimmon HQ in York to receive the cheque that will help ensure that more people get the help and support they need.

With workers in construction four times as likely to take their own life than in any other sector, mental health is a particular priority for construction firms.

Persimmon, who are part of an industry wide working group on mental health, have made mental health a key focus over recent years, training nearly 200 mental health first aiders across the business.

Simon Winship, Commercial Director, Persimmon Yorkshire said:  "Taking on the coast-to-coast cycle ride was a massive challenge for all of us.

“However, we know that the struggles we face pale in comparison to the challenges that individuals dealing with mental health issues confront daily.

“That is why we chose York Mind as our charity of choice, and we are proud to support their vital work."

York Mind is a leading local provider of services supporting individuals recovering from mental ill-health to achieve outcomes that will progress them towards recovery, social inclusion and integration in mainstream activity such as learning, volunteering or employment.

More details about the support available can be found here: https://www.yorkmind.org.uk/about-us/