Rural champion raises £3,000 for mental health charity

The importance of looking after your mental health through exercise was highlighted when Trystan Lloyd, from Lyft Club in west Wales, set himself the challenge to complete 24 workouts in 24 hours for the DPJ Foundation. 

The challenge, held in the run-up to Christmas at Cattlestrength in Felinfach, Ceredigion, was supported by 75 members of the local community and involved 24 workout sessions, lasting 20-30min each.

It raised £3,000 for the mental health charity.

See also: Collaborative support – 3 charities tackle farming crises

Although he is not from a farming background, Trystan has strong ties to the agricultural and equestrian communities.

He chose the DPJ Foundation as he believes rural and agricultural communities don’t get the support they need.

“I feel our rural communities have been forgotten and the DPJ Foundation plays such a vital role in those communities,” he said.

“Agriculture is the lifeblood of this rural community and our wider rural areas.

“Living here, surrounded by agriculture and farming, it’s clear that when the farming sector isn’t supported, the rest of the area suffers too.

“Mental health issues are a huge risk facing the farming sector. The latest budget announcement from Westminster will not help the industry either.

“Farmers work so hard, creating a future for the next generation and they’ve had the rug pulled from under their feet.

“So we need to work together and look after ourselves – physically and mentally.”

Trystan Lloyd © Lyft Club

Active 

The community and health aspects are important to Trystan and being physically active is vital in maintaining good mental health. 

“We know the links between being physically active and improving your mood, fostering camaraderie and community relationships,” he said.

“It doesn’t have to be too long a workout; just get moving, get a bit sweaty, and get together with people.”

DPJ Foundation charity manager Kate Miles said: “We know that, for many, exercise is vital to maintaining good mental health and wellbeing, and this challenge highlights this.

“Hopefully, Trystan and the team will have inspired more people to get moving. 

“As Trystan suggests, community is vital and knowing that there are people around you when you need that extra support is vital.”