TWO Dorset entrepreneurs and a fitness coach have launched the second phase of their fundraising effort for a mental health charity – and they are calling for others to ‘step up’ and join them.

Ty Temel and Benjamin Banks-Reynolds, along with Jamie Whisken, who operates as ReDefine Jamie, raised more than £42,000 for Dotset Mind in The June 500 challenge.

This saw hundreds of people complete 500 kilometres during the month of June, whether it was cycling, running or swimming.

And now they are challenging people to complete one million steps, either alone or as part of a team, between November 1 to December 21, with the trio keen to raise awareness for men;s mental health.

Mr Temel said: “We were blown away with the feedback we received from everyone about The June 500 challenge and after being inundated with requests for a new challenge we feel the time is right.

“With this challenge, we want to help both ourselves and others to have a focus again during an uncertain time and have an engaged community supporting each other. We’d love to see people have some fun with it, same as last time please tag us on socials so we can all be a part of each other’s journeys.”

Mr Whisken added: “ This will hopefully keep many people mentally focused and physically challenged through a couple of tough months, during a time of year where many struggle. We’ve built a challenge that can be completed inside or outside, no matter how the weather is.“

The Step Up fundraiser also aims to give people something to focus on and come together at a time of separation and uncertainty, said Mr Banks-Reynolds.

“We want to keep increasing the conversations about mental health in our community and inspire people to open up,” he said.

“It’s tough times at the moment, but our local nature in Dorset particularly provides some incredible rewards, whether along the beach, or in the Purbecks or New Forest.”

Marianne Storey, Dorset Mind’s CEO, added: “We’re delighted to have the support of The June 500’s founding fathers once more.

“Their fundraising efforts have helped counterbalance the short-fall in community fundraising we’ve experienced this unprecedented year. Not only that, we’re hoping to repeat the success of the previous challenge to help us develop and support men’s mental health – an area of support that we are hoping to establish,

“Exercise is proven to positively impact wellbeing and at this time of year with the darker months approaching, it’s even more important to connect with other people and get active.

“Ty, Jamie and Ben are extremely renowned locally and that contributes to their success. In turn, this also helps inspire our communities. We’re extremely grateful for their generous championing of us and mental health.”

A dedicated Just Giving page has been set up for the challenge. Partners for the Step Up Challenge are Running Free Poole, with marketing support again being provided by More ROAR.