Mansfield is all set for another big sporting weekend

After last year’s great success it was brilliant to see the tour, and the big names in cycling along with it, return to the streets of Mansfield.

I think it speaks volumes about just what can be achieved if and when the town gets the offer right and shows that it can attract visitors from all over the place.

This weekend is another big one, the Mansfield 10k and 5k events on Sunday, September 16.

I’ll be running the 10k race (not very fast) on behalf of great local charity, Central Notts Mind.

You may well have heard of the mental health charity Mind, who provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem.

They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding of mental health issues, and I have visited the Mansfield branch of the charity to see their work first hand.

They run services in support of people with dementia and other mental health conditions, as well as also helping the families of those who are affected to cope and understand, offering a social space and a lifeline to so many local people.

Their vital work is funded by donations and charitable support, and that’s why I am raising money for them in the 10k this weekend.

One in four of us will experience a mental health problem, and it’s something that touches us all.

You can donate to this fantastic cause on my website at www.benbradleymp.com or via my Facebook page.

I hope you’ll get involved and support the runners on the day either down by the course, or by helping out the many great causes that people have chosen to fundraise for.

As we all look to keep ourselves fit and active, and to raise the profile of our town, it’s brilliant to see so many high profile events taking place in Mansfield or coming to the town, and so many people out and about in town too.

I’m looking forward to this weekend’s race.

See you there.