A STUDENT who struggled with his own mental health is aiming to help others going through similar battles.

Thomas Porter-Hargreaves, who is studying to be a primary school teacher at Wrexham Glyndwr University, has organised a row to raise funds for a mental heath charity, a cause close to his heart.

He told the Leader: "It's something I have done in the past at my old college and it was good, we raised a lot of money.

"I wanted to do it for November as it's a big push for mental health, keep people talking - there's the Movember which is for men's mental health.

"I've struggled myself in the past and I was hospitalised for my own issues five years ago.

"I nearly lost my own life so it is very important to me and other people going through similar things."

The row will be held from 8am to 8pm at the students union, Glyndwr University and the aim of the project is to row the width of Wales.

Thomas said they have set a target of raising £1,000 and the event will include live music, refreshments and potentially a visit from Wrexham football club.

He added: "We are inviting people from the local community. The idea is each rower has 15 minute slots and they donate £2.

"What spurred me is we knew a man who took his own life in Wrexham and it's had a big affect on the students here. A lot of students have been affected by poor mental health at this uni.

"We are still looking for rowers if anyone wants to get involved.

"I will be rowing for six hours and I know students who are keen to push themselves so it will be interesting."

Anyone wishing to get involved in the event on November 22 can contact Thomas on thomasporterhargreaves@gmail.com.

More information about Movember can be found online at https://uk.movember.com/mens-health/mental-health