A Shirley man who struggled with his mental health in the summer is swimming a mile a day in November to raise money for suicide prevention charities.

Michael Shepard, 45, did not know where to turn in August and felt as though he had exhausted many options.

“I was seriously unwell, nothing was really helping,” the Shirley resident explained.

“I tried reaching out to people but then I tried exercise, and it really helped me.”

Michael tried doing laps of the pool a couple times a week to ease his mind.

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He started with 20 lengths of Shirley Swimming Pool, then 30, and kept pushing himself as much as he could.

“It was a wake-up call that’s definitely improved my health and mental health,” Michael explained.

“I sleep better now, I definitely sleep easier.”

While an eye infection stopped Michael from swimming for six weeks, his boss at Lucid Communications Group had announced that he was doing Movember.

Michael Sheppard says he sleeps better now that he is actively exercising again.Michael Sheppard says he sleeps better now that he is actively exercising again. (Image: Michael Sheppard) “My boss told us he lost one of his close friends to suicide, and urged us all to speak to all of our friends and family,” Michael revealed.

The graphic designer said that he “felt a strong connection to the cause” and started swimming a mile a day from November 1 – the first day he was allowed to swim again after his eye infection had cleared.

One mile of swimming at Shirley Swimming Pool is 64 lengths and Michael began by having to split the distance before and after work.

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But after 20 days of straight splashing, the 45-year-old can do it all at once now.

Michael said: “The last couple of days I’ve found it really tough. I thought maybe the lack of a break was kicking in but I managed to get through it.

“I considered myself unfit because I have a desk job, I sit at the desk all day, it’s a very sanitary lifestyle. This swimming is the only exercise I do but I have three young daughters.

“I want to be healthy for them, and they’re getting heavy now. I don’t want to be out of breath just by playing with them.”

At the time of writing, Michael has raised £545 for Movember.

If you need support, contact Samaritans on 116 123.