A KEIGHLEY man who last year cycled the length of Britain to raise money for charity is saddling-up for another challenge.

Ryan Anderton covered the 1,036 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats in eight days on behalf of mental health organisation Andy’s Man Club and the homeless charity Centrepoint UK.

Now the 38-year-old, who has battled over the years with depression and behavioural issues, is getting back on his bike to ride around the coast of Britain in aid of mental health charity Mind.

He aims to raise funds for – and awareness of – the organisation, as well as boosting the profile of other mental health charities in West Yorkshire.

Mr Anderton begins his 4,802-mile journey next month, and hopes to complete an average of 228 miles a day, largely unsupported.

He started training for his epic challenge in March, with the launch of a Recycle Yourself campaign – designed to recognise his need to ‘start again’ and put his troubled past behind him.

As part of his gruelling preparations, he has cycled 50 miles a day for 50 consecutive days – bar one when his bike developed a fault – tackled a mountainous 117-mile stage of the Tour de Yorkshire route and participated in several charity sportives and fundraising cycling events.

He is continuing to ride about 250 miles a week.

Mr Anderton said: “At the age of 30, I was first admitted to a mental health hospital ward after attempting suicide at a B&B in Blackpool.

“I call it my ‘Leaving Las Vegas’ moment, after the film when Nicolas Cage’s character decides to go to drink himself to death.

“Eight years on, I have used the power of cycling to launch my own mental health campaign, Recycle Yourself.”

The ride is a tribute to his uncle, who died earlier this year. He also had mental health issues.

Mr Anderton hopes his challenge will spotlight the work of the charitable mental health sector, which he credits with helping him get back on his feet.

He pays particular tribute to the support received from the volunteer-led Missing Peace and Andy’s Man Club.

“These groups helped me to find a way not only to cope with life but to strive to do good instead of succumbing to my mental health and behavioural issues,” he said.

To donate to the challenge, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/ryanridesaroundbritain, or text RECY48 and your amount to 70070.

People will be able to follow Mr Anderton’s progress at facebook.com/recycleyourselfcampaign or Twitter.com/recycle_urself.