A FUNDRAISING fitness fiesta focused on mental health and wellbeing will return after a successful launch raised £1,400.

February Five, now in its second year, is the brainchild of Kidlington resident Verity Westgate as a regular fundraiser for mental health charity Mind - a cause close to her heart having lived with depression herself.

The 33-year-old set up the virtual challenge, which asks participants to set their own target during the month of February based around the number five.

Last year 124 people took part, including triathlete and Oxford Triathlon Club member Lee Merrett, who challenged himself to complete the distance of five Olympic triathlons in five days. This meant that every day he had to swim 1500m, cycle 40km and run 10km.

The 47-year-old rose to the challenge but admitted that days four and five were ‘really tough’.

Ms Westgate’s hope is that beginners and hardened athletes can both themselves set goals within their abilities, and in return is a good way to work on mental health and wellbeing.

The challenge founder said: “When I have depression, negative thoughts really invade my mind and it is really difficult to get motivated.

“The routine and achievement of regular exercise definitely help me to manage my mental health. The structure that I set up to train is very helpful and the sense of achievement can be a real bright spot on the horizon

“Many of the challenges that I have carried out have been outdoors which can also benefit mental health. Swimming is my favourite because I find the repetitive actions very soothing.”

People taking part can choose to walk to work five times during February while others might choose more involved challenges such as running or cycling a long distance five times during the month.

Ms Westgate, who has lived with depression for most of her adult life, has conquered the Great North Swim, a half-ironman, two marathons, swum the length of Windermere twice in a day, and many other challenges.

Through these challenges and other fundraising, Verity has raised £19,500 for Mind, also in tribute to one of her closest friends, Emily Riall, who took her own life at the age of 22 in 2006.

Mind community fundraising manager Karen Bolton said: “We are truly grateful to Verity for her continued support of Mind’s work.

“Her brilliant efforts in yet again leading the February Five challenge is not only an amazing achievement in itself, it’s a great way to put a spotlight on how powerful physical activity can be in boosting your mental wellbeing.”

This it is sponsored by Mind Over Matter Fitness and Nutrition and Complete Massage Oxford.

The February Five costs £10 to enter. Go to februaryfive.com