A Dublin man will set off on a 150 kilometre cycle to raise money for a mental health charity.
Jonathan Kenna, who lives in Ballymun, has planned to cycle from the capital to Rosslare on June 4.
The Dubliner has done charity cycles in past and raised over €1,000 for the Childhood Cancer Foundation last year.
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And he is hoping to raise funds for Aware, a national organisation that provides free support to those impacted by mental health related conditions.
Jonathan spoke to Dublin Live about the upcoming charity cycle and why he chose to fundraise for Aware.
"I know people who have and are using Aware's services and have got great comfort and help from it," he said.
"Aware do amazing work and I think we all know somebody who at some point in life could have benefitted from their services.
"I also want to let people know that there's not just one organisation out there to help. It's all about taking that first step."
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Jonathan spoke about his own battle with depression and anxiety and urged others to seek help if they are at a low point.
He said: "I think mental health isn't highlighted enough and everyone is dealing with it in some shape or form and in all age groups.
"I want everyone to know that it's okay to talk about it and there's someone to listen to you even at your lowest point. When you take that first step and ask for help you won't look back.
"I have dealt with depression in the past and it did control me for a while. All I wanted to do was hide away from the world and I made myself believe that there was no one there for me, when really I was surrounded by people who wanted to help.
"One day I decided to seek help and that was the best decision of my life.
"To this day, I still get days with anxiety and depression but I've learned to control it. I take a cycle, go to the gym or talk to my partner.
"I just want everyone to know that it's okay not to be okay and you are not alone."
Jonathan's charity cycle has been sponsored by Veritas, a spiritual and religious book and gift shop.
If you would like to donate to his fundraiser for Aware, click here.
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