Braintree runners joined thousands of athletes in a challenging 10km race for a mental health charity.

Jade Ely, of Braintree, and Joshua Banner who works at Lambert Chapman in the town, both took on this year’s 10k Stampede at Colchester Zoo on Sunday.

Two thousands runners were involved in the event and more than £22,000 was raised for North East Essex Mind.

The charity is close to Jade's heart and she ran in memory of her best friend, who sadly took his own life during the lockdown.

Braintree and Witham Times: Busy - more runners taking part in the 10k Stampede at Colchester ZooBusy - more runners taking part in the 10k Stampede at Colchester Zoo (Image: Steve Brading)

She said: “I’ve suffered with mental health issues over the years and Mind have really helped me overcome those issues.”

Jade ran alongside colleagues at Bannatyne Health Club, in Springwood Drive, and raised close to £500 for the charity, finishing the Stampede in 55 minutes.

Joshua raised £250 for Mid and North East Essex Mind.

He said: “I’ve been running since January and it has improved my mental health. Mid and North East Essex Mind is a great cause to raise money for.”

Ginny Idehen, CEO at Mid and North East Essex Mind, said: “We were overwhelmed by the response from fundraisers to this year’s Stampede. Everyone in the community came out to support this fun event.

“Exercise is brilliant for our general fitness, but it also helps us release happy hormones, which is great for our mental health.”

The charity offers a wide range of mental health services such as group and one-to-one counselling, and recovery support from addiction or mental health issues.

Braintree and Witham Times: Taking it in their stride - more runners that took on the 10k challengeTaking it in their stride - more runners that took on the 10k challenge (Image: Steve Brading)

It also provides practical help to overcome stress, anxiety and depression, and has a ‘crisis café’ for urgent mental health care.

The Stampede event supports Colchester Zoo’s Action for the Wild charity, an organisation which helps fund conservation projects across the world and has set up a 6,000-hectare private nature reserve in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

The next 10k Stampede at Colchester Zoo will be held on April 27, 2025.

To enquire about running places for it, email fundraising@mnessexmind.org or call 01206 764600.