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Teen cycles 100 miles to raise awareness of young people’s mental health

Arnold, aged 13 from North Dulwich, has gone above and beyond to raise awareness for young people facing mental health difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic, by cycling 100 miles and raising over £750 for the Maudsley Charity

Arnold completed 58 laps of Brockwell park, equivalent to 100 miles, in just a couple of days with an initial aim of raising £150 for the Maudsley Charity.

Arnold said he wanted to raise money for the charity, ‘as even before the Coronavirus, it was hard for people to get the right help’ and right now it is even more difficult for people to access the services they need due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Through his incredible cycle, Arnold wanted to support the work of the Maudsley Charity, and in particular shine a light on young people’s mental health: ‘it is something that we are all very likely to experience, whether it is a family member’s death, to being bullied, it all adds up. So, it is best to learn about how to handle it from a young age.’

Although Arnold’s initial aim was to raise £150 for the Maudsley Charity, he has now surpassed his original target by nearly 500%, raising close to £750 for the charity, ‘while I was doing it I felt really happy, it taught me a lesson that giving to others can make you feel really proud.’

Everyone at the Maudsley Charity is incredibly grateful and touched by Arnold’s act of kindness and support, especially during such a difficult time. The money raised by Arnold will have a huge impact and will allow the charity to continue to support its services for children and young adults experiencing mental health difficulties. Find out more about some of those services here. Thank you Arnold!

Have you been inspired by Arnold’s epic cycle? If so, why not give a challenge a try yourself. Visit our fundraising pages to get inspired.