AFTER losing a friend to suicide, a young man from Appleton is hoping to raise awareness about the importance of looking after your mental health.

Ben Southworth, 27, has been taking part in Movember, a national month-long fundraiser which seeks to highlight men's health, both physical and mental.

As well as growing a moustache for the month, Ben and his friends have recorded a podcast on the issue of mental health and challenged themselves to a 84km walk or run.

"Earlier this year one of my friends lost his life to suicide, aged 27," Ben explained.

"Myself and three friends have recorded a podcast talking about how his death has impacted our group and changed the way we think about mental health.

"We are aiming to raise awareness about men's mental health and mental health more broadly and hope that our conversation will help others to begin to talk to their friends about how they are feeling.

"We are also all growing moustaches for Movember and walking or running 84km this month in memory of the 84 men who die from suicide in the UK each week.

"So far our fundraising team have raised just over £4,500 and I have personally raised £800."

To donate to Ben's Movember fundraising total, visit uk.movember.com/team/2384879.