A HULL security guard hopes to raise money for charity by competing in two marathons, three 10k races and a coast-to-coast bike ride while dressed as Spiderman.
John Hutchinson, 38, of north Hull, is raising money for mental health charity Hull and East Yorkshire Mind (HEY Mind), which was founded in 1976.
Mr Hutchinson, who works for SPS Security, is competing in the Blackpool and Hull marathons and in 10k races in Hull, Leeds and York and plans to cycle from Hornsea to Southport in Merseyside – all within six months.
He said: "I was diagnosed as bipolar in April last year, so I know first-hand just how important the services Mind provides are, on a national and local scale.
"I've used Mind's services myself and the support I received has taught me how to manage my condition successfully.
"Every year, one-in-four people will experience a mental health issue, but hundreds of thousands of people are still struggling.
"I wanted to do something to help those who are experiencing the same things as I did and make sure that Mind is able to continue providing such a valuable level of support."
Mr Hutchinson said he was looking forward to taking on the charity challenge.
He said: "I started running for the first time in six years and ran my first competitive race to raise money for Mind UK last July. The idea to dress up as Spiderman came from my 12-year-old son, Callum, who is a huge comic book fan, and it seemed like a good way of getting noticed and raising awareness."
Mr Hutchinson will team up with fellow fundraiser Simon Moreton, who will be dressed as Batman for the coast-to-coast bike ride. The two men will try to make it from Hornsea to Southport over just one weekend.
Mr Hutchinson said: "I initially challenged Simon to the bike ride and he accepted. Everything just sort of snowballed from there and here I am, signed up for six races.
"I intend to finish every race though, even if it means crawling over the finish line."
Greg Aitken, chief executive of HEY Mind, said: "The Department of Health has recently announced plans to ensure mental health provision is equal to that for physical illness.
"This is an encouraging step to shedding the stigma mental health currently carries and making some real headway in solving the UK's burgeoning mental health crisis.
"However, we will continue to rely heavily on charitable donations and it is thanks to support from people such as John that we are able to provide such a comprehensive service.
"The six-month challenge will be a real feat of endurance and we'd like to wish him lots of luck."
Mr Hutchinson's first marathon will take place in April.
Visit www.spiderman.org.uk for more information or to sponsor Mr Hutchinson.
