AN Oldham runner is taking on the 33.3-mile Tour of Tameside challenge to raise money for the mental health charity Mind – a cause close to his heart.

Ellis Smith, a production planning administrator at Hill’s Panel Products (HPP), the Oldham-based board, doors and fittings manufacturer and supplier, has battled depression in the past and still suffers occasional bouts.

Ellis, who lives in Fitton Hill, said: “I’ve had trouble in the past with my mental health so I’m hoping that by running for Mind I’ll be helping other people who have struggled as well, to show that you can come out the other side.

“My depression was a few years ago now, but I still have bouts from time to time – it never fully goes away.”

Ellis, who has set a fundraising target of £200, is drumming up sponsorship from his colleagues and family members for the four-day running festival, which starts on June 16.

The challenge begins with a 10km trail run on various terrains across two country parks, followed by a six-mile fell run.

It is then onto a 13.1-mile half marathon, which includes a stretch of the Longdendale Trail, before the seven-mile road race finale named in memory of Dr Ron Hill, the Hyde-based marathon legend who founded the tour in 1981.

Ellis, who’s worked at HPP for eight years, runs a minimum of three times a week, covering at least 15 miles – a fitness regime that stems from his four years in the Royal Engineers.

When the tour comes around, he will be cheered on by his fiancé Adele and their three children, Devon, 13, Blake, eight, and Willow, four.

Ellis recently took part in the Great Manchester Run half marathon where he was joined by HPP’s marketing and business development director Dan Mounsey - who last year completed a 50k (30-mile) endurance run for Mind.

Both men clocked a very respectable 1 hour 43 mins – placing them in the early 900s of 8,000 participants.

Ellis added: “I’ve done 13-mile runs in training, but I’ve never done an organised event like this before. It was brilliant, the atmosphere was amazing. You see a huge range of runners and fitness levels.”

To sponsor Ellis, please visit his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ellis-smith-tog