A 31-year-old based in Wroughton is set to walk 100km in support of a mental health charity.

Dave Southby, a financial planner, is hoping to raise £2,500 for The Kelly Foundation.

Together with his team from Dave Southby Financial Planning, he plans to embark on a 100km walk along the Thames Path over the weekend of September 14 and 15.

The Kelly Foundation, based in Swindon, is dedicated to bridging gaps in mental health support services.

It adopts an holistic approach, treating not only symptoms but also the underlying causes of mental health struggles.

The organisation delivers tailored help to individuals tackling various challenges, from financial pressures to relationship breakdowns, helping them on their path to improved well-being and resilience.

Mr Southby specialises in helping people, families, and small business owners to manage their wealth effectively, particularly in the Swindon and North Wiltshire areas.

He and his team at Dave Southby Financial Planning are trained as mental health first aiders, often working with clients who experience financial stress and anxiety.

Mr Southby said: “In our line of work, we regularly encounter people grappling with financial stress, which directly impacts their mental well-being.

“By partnering with The Kelly Foundation, we hope to make a real difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health issues in our community.”

Mr Southby has secured sponsorship from 13 businesses, and has also received individual donations.

These businesses will be prominently featured on the team’s shirts during the walk.

He has also set up a Just Giving page, which has received £1,260 in donations so far from 17 supporters.

Mr Southby added: “I’m passionate about supporting mental health initiatives, and The Kelly Foundation does incredible work in our community.

“The 100k Thames Path Walk is a huge challenge, but knowing that it’s for such a vital cause is all the motivation we need.

“I’ve set the goal to raise £2,500 through this walk alone, and I’m thrilled to have already raised over half of that before even setting off.”

The funds raised by the team will be used to provide essential mental health support through The Kelly Foundation.

Mr Southby added: “This funding will enable us to offer 125 hours of vital support to those in need, which equates to 12 weeks of assistance for 10 individuals."