A TRAINEE teacher has taken on a fundraising challenge after witnessing a tragic event in which a student killed themselves.

Leo Atkinson, a trainee teacher from Worcester, will run the London Marathon in aid of the charity Mind, which offers support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

Mr Atkinson said: "One of the reasons that I chose this charity is because, during the last academic year, 95 university students in the UK committed suicide; one of whom I witnessed while I was visiting the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol."

Mr Atkinson has already raised nearly half of his £2,000 target and is hoping to inspire more people to donate.

He said: "I got a place on the marathon at the last minute at the start of February and I've been training hard.

"It's been a challenge to fit training around studying and a full time job but I know it will be worth it."

As part of his fundraising bid, Mr Atkinson will be holding a Mother's Day bake sale at Worcester Cathedral at midday on Sunday 31 March.

Mind aims to improve services, raise awareness, and promotes understanding to end the stigma that surrounds the subject of mental health.

This year, the marathon takes place on Sunday, April 28.

Anyone who is interesting in donating can visit, www://UK.virginmoneygiving.com/LeoAtkinson1.