A LONDONER running 800 miles around England's waterways to raise money for a mental health charity reached Reading this week.

Adrian White and his dog, Teddy, started their journey in London at the beginning of the month to raise money for Mind who provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

They'll be running up and down the country and their next stop is Hungerford (tomorrow).

The team are sofa surfing as they go so that Mr White can talk to as many people as possible about mental health, something very close to his heart.

READ ALSO: 3000 mile drive to Georgia to raise money for Reading mental health charity No5.

The 43 year old works as a film maker in the charity sector and has suffered with mental health issues over the past 2 years.

He hopes that with the support of his colleagues, friends and family, and the general good will of the British public, he will raise £10,000 for Mind.

Mr White said: “Mental illness is a very dark and lonely place and Mind have been an incredible support to me over the past year.

"I want to show my appreciation to the charity by helping to raise awareness of the fantastic work they do, and also raise much needed funds for them.

"Another little light in these very dark days for me has been my amazing and beautiful little dog Teddy.

"His craziness, non-stop entertainment and unconditional love have been an incredible support, and that’s why I want to take him on this adventure with me, to highlight how dogs and cats too, can assist in relieving the burden of mental health issues.

"Teddy LOVES to run and has boundless energy so I am hoping this adventure will finally tire him out!”

He continued: “Suicide rates in men are shockingly high and the more guys suffer in silence, the more will die - it’s as simple as that.

"So I am going to do my best to raise awareness of mental illness and get men talking, by chatting to as many people as I can about my experiences, as myself and Teddy embark on our 800 mile adventure.

"I want to sofa surf as I go and use it as a chance to talk to as many people as I can about mental health and why talking makes you stronger.”

He is urging people to join him on his journey whether it's for a few miles or a few days explaining he "would love the company".

He added: "Also if yourself, a friend, a friend of a friend, a relative or a relative of a relative, or a friend of a relative of a friend (you get the idea), lives on or near the route and has a sofa they wouldn’t mind myself and Teddy borrowing for the night, please ping me a message, I would love to hear from you.

“Running 800 miles will be a challenge to say the least, but knowing the money I raise will be used to improve the lives of people living with mental health problems throughout the UK is amazing and will keep me (and Teddy) going!"

To support Adrian & Teddy’s challenge and also see the route they are taking, click here.