A TEACHER who knows the challenges of living with mental illness firsthand has gone out on a limb to raise awareness and funds for a cause close to his heart.

Craig Richardson raised around £700 for Mind, the mental health charity, by being sponsored to have the words 'I hate being bipolar, it's wonderful' tattooed onto his right leg.

The unlikely source of inspiration for his inking came from a pub toilet wall, where he spotted some graffiti that struck a chord.

The 37-year-old said: "My friend told me to go and have a look because he knew I'd find it funny.

"It said 'I hate being bipolar, it's awesome' but I changed it to wonderful because I'm an English teacher and didn't want an Americanism on my body.

"It about sums up bipolar and I like the humour in it, it is good to keep a sense of humour."

Mr Richardson, who teaches at Whitworth Park School in Spennymoor, has bipolar and will talk to pupils if they want to know about the disorder.

He hopes that his charity fundraising, which they and school staff supported by donating around £200, will raise awareness of the issue.

He said: "I hope it helps break down prejudices that people have.

"People don't have to be embarrassed to talk about mental health, their own or somebody else's and I hope this is a clear message that it is part of me and I'm not hiding from it.

"So many people are affected by mental health problems we need to make it easier to talk about, why cannot kids be part of that conversation?

"I really appreciate the help of the pupils.

"I said if I could make £500 I'd have it tattooed and without a bucket collection in school I might not have reached that target.

"I really hope Mind can use the money to support people."

When Mr Richardson, who is from Sunderland, told the tattooist at Triplesix Studios in the city why he was having the tattoo done they waived their fee.

Karen Bolton, community fundraising manager for Mind, said: “We’re really grateful to Craig for choosing to support Mind’s work through his fundraising.

"Whichever way people choose to fundraise, whether it’s running a marathon, skydiving, or holding a Crafternoon in aid of Mind, they are helping us be there for people with mental health problems when they need us most.

"Craig’s fundraising efforts are also a great way to put a spotlight on bipolar disorder and we hope that this helps open up the conversation around mental health.

"All the money raised will fund Mind’s vital work including the Mind Infoline, our advice services and the campaigning Mind does to secure a better deal for the one in four of us who experience a mental health problem every year.”