A TEAM of about 40 men are taking part in a 68-kilometre “walk and talk” to get people chatting about their mental health.

Calling themselves the “Darlo Lads”, the men will be taking on the lower section of the Teesdale Way to raise money for men’s health charity Movember, which encourages men to grow moustaches through the month of November.

It is the second time they have done after being inspired to set it up last year at a time when many people were struggling with their mental health during lockdown.

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Joe Crees, 26, who is one of the organisers, said: “Movember raises money for men’s health issues like prostate and testicular cancer as well as mental health but the emphasis for us is mental health.

“There’s a statistic that globally for every minute of every day a man dies due to suicide. It’s absolutely crazy.

The Northern Echo:

“Just recently a young lad died in Darlington. When it’s so close to home it really gives you a bit of a nudge to do something.”

Most of them men who took part in last year’s trek have signed up again for the event on Sunday, November 21.

They will set off from the beach in Redcar at midnight, before walking back along the Tees, aiming to finish at Broken Scar, Darlington at about 4pm.

It follows on from their walk last year, which finished at the same place but started in upper Teesdale – meaning between the two events they will have covered the full length of the Teesdale Way.

And they are hoping to have some support from down under, with a group of five men, who are from Darlington but are living in Australia, planning to take part in their own walk.

Most of those taking part will also be growing their moustaches for Movember and Darlington barbers Simply Rogue, in Duke Street, will be supporting the team by offering free trims the week before the event.

Other businesses getting involved is the Long Run Collective, which is helping by providing a four-week training plan, and John Flinn physiotherapy, which has created a strength programme and is offering a physio service for those taking part.

They are hoping to raise £10,000 for Movember and have set up a team fundraising page, which can be found by visiting https://uk.movember.com/team/2372291.

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