DESPITE having walked from one end of the country to the other to raise awareness of mental health issues, Steve Carr has not been resting up since his return to Swindon.

He is already part-way through another mission – this time heading to Land’s End by bicycle.

The 40-year-old – who marked his milestone birthday during his Land’s End to John O’Groats walk - set himself the epic challenge after battling mental health problems, drug addiction and homelessness in the wake of the death of his older brother Paul in 1991. Paul was one of five young people to lose their lives when a car careered off Akers Way. At the age of 15, Steve had to deal with the loss of his brother and the effect of the trauma on his whole family.

But now 24 years later he is in recovery, and the strength and determination that has brought him this far is now driving him to try and help others.

On Tuesday he set off from Liverpool on two wheels destined for Land’s End in a bid to raise awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder, and gather support for Swindon charity Therapeutic Work In Gardening (TWIGS).

On Friday afternoon he pedalled into Swindon, and was greeted with a cup of coffee and a slice of cake at the TWIGS café.

“PTSD can develop immediately after someone experiences a disturbing event or it can occur weeks, months or even years later,” said Steve. “PTSD is estimated to affect about one in every three people who have a traumatic experience, but it's not clear exactly why some people develop the condition and others don't'

“If you would like to contribute to raising awareness with me please could I ask you to pop into TWIGS Community Garden and maybe purchase a plant or two, or even drop in to the cafe.”

As if the cycling wasn’t gruelling enough for him, Steve is also taking part in the 22 Day Press Up Challenge.

To follow his progress, where he is posting vlogs, visit www.facebook.com/groups/mindcanyon.