A MAN who is cycling 300 miles for charity wants to promote the benefits of exercise on mental health.

Matt Rowbottom, 37, from Bewsey, is cycling 300 miles throughout September to raise money for Cancer Research UK as part of their Cycle 300 initiative.

Mr Rowbottom said: "I've done half of it so far and I have 145 miles left.

"I'm doing it by myself and I've been cycling different routes around the area.

"I might even do more miles than the 300 but we'll see how it goes.

"I've raised £105 at the moment but I would like to get to £300."

Mr Rowbottom began the cycling challenge with a message about mental heath which he wanted to share with others.

He explained: "I have suffered with anxiety and depression in the past.

"The message I want to get across is that exercise is a way of getting yourself over that hill and it can change all that.

"I do a lot of cycling in my own time because it is good for you and this challenge is a way to do something positive through exercise.

"If people are feeling down, there is a way out, but of course everyone is different.

"I believe that exercise is a good way of improving your mental wellbeing."

To donate towards Matt Rowbottom's cycle challenge visit fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/matthews-cycle-300-fundraising-page-47.