A CHARITY inspired by a Winchester-raised man is staging a race the distance between Winchester and Los Angeles.

A growing number of people are joining the “54321” race hosted by the Edgar Road-based Know Thyself Charitable Trust.

The charity fundraises to help with mental health in workplaces and schools.

It was set up in memory of Tom Vaughan, who grew up in Winchester and lived in LA as an adult. He drowned aged 34 in an accident after suffering work-related stress. A few weeks before his death he had set up a company called Know Thyself.

The race has people competing to see who can cover 5,432.1 miles, the distance between Winchester and Los Angeles.

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The race is virtual in which competitors of all kinds, from seasoned marathons to ordinary office workers, can join and race at their own pace. Walking, running, sprinting and even swimming are viable ways to show you are racing as part of your team whilst raising funds for the charity. Miles covered is recorded on an app.

The virtual races are happening from May 23 and July 10. The entry fee is £25 per person. £6 will go to the organisers whilst the rest will go to the charities and organisations that help provide mental health support in workplaces and schools.

The charity promotes the 54321exercise, encouraging people to stop, regulate their breathing and out loud name five things they can see, four things they can touch, three things they can hear, two things they can smell and one thing they can taste. Its one of the techniques we support as a trust.

There is more explanation and registration on knowthyselfcharity.com.

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