THREE friends are cycling from John O Groats to Land’s End to raise awareness of mental health in young men– particularly rugby players and students.

Fenn Newsome, Giles Themans and Alex Hayton were devastated when their good pal and teammate at Newcastle Medicals Rugby Club, Marcus Colville, took his own life last December.

Marcus, originally from Exeter, was a third year medical student at Newcastle University, talented musician, sportsman and top student.

Maths student Mr Newsome 20, from Sheffield, said: “His sudden death was a huge shock to us all at the club and for everyone that knew him. Hearing the news that he had been suffering from depression was a surprise to all his friends and family.

“In light of this, Marcus’ family have set up a fund in his name– Marcus in Mind– to raise awareness and prevent this sort of tragedy happening to more young men.”

The three men were inspired to do the 900 mile ride after learning at Mr Colville's funeral he did it twice.

They are using the hashtag #ItsOkNotToBeOk on social media and hope to remove some of the stigma of mental health, encourage men to talk more and raise £2,000. They can be sponsored at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/for-marcus