Two health care workers cycled the entire length of the Basingstoke Canal to raise money for a mental health charity.
Cygnet Hospital Woking's gym and wellbeing instructor Ryan Childs, and compliance assistant David Price-Cox, took part in the 64-mile sponsored bike ride on Thursday, September 19.
They hope to raise £1,000 for Sport in Mind, a national charity that aims to improve mental health through sport.
The ride coincided with National Fitness Day, an annual event that celebrates physical activity and encourages people to get active.
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Ryan said: "It was tiring, and we were both exhausted by the end, but worth it to help raise funds for Sport in Mind.
"I think I can speak for David and I to say we both had fun, but would be happy not to see another bike for a while."
He added: "Being active and feeling physically healthy has a direct impact on our mental health and wellbeing.
"The charity Sport in Mind completely believes this and is working in the community and in some of our hospitals to provide support to people to get active.
"They transform the lives and mental health of children and adults through sport and physical activity."
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Cygnet Hospital Woking began working with Sport in Mind in July 2023 to offer yoga sessions to service users to promote wellbeing.
Neil Harris, CEO of Sport in Mind, said: "Physical activity is a strong but simple tool to help with the management and recovery from mental health problems, alongside a whole range of other benefits.
"It is a pleasure to be able to work in partnership with Cygnet to provide patients free access to physical activity in a safe, supportive environment to help improve their mental health."
Ryan explained the motivation behind their charity bike ride.
He said: "Exercise is a great way of improving both physical and mental wellbeing, and evidence from multiple studies has shown how effective it is in combating not only depression and anxiety but also helping with autism, ADHD and those with sensory needs.
"From burning off excess adrenaline, releasing endorphins to just allowing time to focus on yourself, exercise continues to be used to help boost mental wellbeing, whether it is a gentle stroll or a 64-mile bike ride."
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