A POPULAR Barrow fundraiser has pledged to offer his support to help tackle the stigma around mental health.

Dan Webber and his ‘Kick Off’ fundraising initiative have set their sights on raising £10,000 for the mental health charity Mind.

He announce the initiative at a tea party at the charity's Dalton Road branch on World Mental Health Day yesterday.

The announcement comes alongside a series of other national initiatives seeking to tackle mental health problems.

Prime minister Theresa May has appointed Health Minister Jackie Doyle-Price as the new Suicide Prevention Minister in an attempt to reduce suicide rates.

And Ulverston Town Council also marked World Mental Health Day by turning the Hoad Monument green to raise awareness.

Dan’s own experience has driven him to take action within Barrow.

“I want to get rid of the stigma so people can feel more comfortable about speaking about mental health, particularly men," he said.

“There’s so much discrimination and prejudice around it, if you look at my dad in the street you would have no idea.”

Dan’s father Mike was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2015 and for the last year his condition has become progressively worse.

Barrow Mayor Councillor Bill McEwan has said: “Mental health is something that can affect anyone at any time and we need to make sure we support charities working in our community who deal with this on a daily basis.

“I hope that people support Dan and get 100 per cent behind Mind in Furness.”

If you would like to support Dan and Mind he will be setting up a Kick off 4 Mental Health event on May 25 2019 at Hawcoat Park in Barrow.

There will also be a comedy night featuring Britain’s Got Talent star Jonny Awson and a singing competition fronted by ex-Artful Dodger vocalist Lifford Shinningford who featured on this year’s BGT.

For further information contact Suzanne Murphy, community engagement and fundraising officer, at: Suzanne.murphy@mindinfurness.org.uk or call Mind in Furness on 01229 827094.