Chirk Town Council has agreed to donate £500 to a mental health charity to boost fundraising efforts of a man who walked almost 200 miles in memory of his friend.

The council decided as a collective at its annual meeting on Wednesday to donate the sum to Mind to boost the fundraising efforts of Chirk-born Tim Gray-Coles who raised more than £3,000 with a trek from Essex to Chirk.

His challenge was in memory of his friend Jason Lee Williams, a man from Chirk who took his own life in October 2019.

Councillor Sarah Williams said: “I’m sure everybody has seen he walked more than 180 miles in a week and raised a lot of money.

“His aim was £1,500 and it was all a memorial effort for Jason.

“I would certainly like Chirk Town Council to recognise his achievement in the way of a donation.”

Cllr Chris Burgoyne also gave his backing to the idea to support the fundraising.

He said: “I think we discussed helping a mental health charity previously.

“I would certainly take this on board – it is for a great cause, they do an absolutely super job.”

In memory of Jason, Tim walked from his home in Epping, Essex, back to his hometown of Chirk where he was welcomed by residents and supporters.

He completed a distance of more than 180 miles in a week, and was welcomed back to Chirk by residents who cheered him on during the last stretch of his challenge.

Tim gave his thanks to the councillors who backed the decision to donate the money, and was moved to hear the news on the anniversary of Jason’s death.

He said: “I don’t even know what to say because to hear this on the anniversary of Jay’s death feels even more touching to be honest.

“Just to reiterate what I’ve already said really every single penny will help this amazing charity especially in these difficult times so thank you for supporting me and most importantly the charity.”

Mind is a charity which works across England and Wales and campaigns for support and respect for mental health.

To find out more about Mind and the services the charity offers, visit https://www.mind.org.uk/