Employees at Primark's Stockport store have been raising money for a local mental health charity in a cycle relay challenge.

The staff team pulled together to cycle 67km, the distance between Merseyway and the Liverpool ONE store. They used a stationary bike which was set up in-store.

The team raised £500 for Making Space Open Door, which offers mental health and wellbeing support to local residents. The service operates just a few minutes' walk from Primark.

Every team member completed a five kilometre ride during their shift.

The fundraiser was one of a series organised by the Primark team, which has raised a total of £546.51 so far and pledges to continue to raise as much cash as possible for Open Door.

Holly Smith, assistant store manager, said: "We chose to support our neighbour Open Door as we take mental health very seriously at Primark, and we wanted to support a local charity first and foremost.

 "We have in-store mental health first aiders as it's an issue very close to our hearts."

Team member Laura takes on the cycling challenge (Image supplied / Primark)

She added: "We don't have an end target in mind, as we plan to continue staging regular fundraisers to raise as much as we can for Open Door.

"All our colleagues take part and really enjoy the opportunity to do something a little bit different during the working day that raises both awareness and money for people experiencing mental health issues in the area, " said Holly.

Rose-Anne Tracey is a Stockport resident who has previously accessed Open Door. She said of the support she received: "I can remember the first day I dropped in at Open Door. I didn't want to be here, I didn't want to live, and it was a real struggle at first to ask for help. But the welcome I got from the team at Open Door was like nothing I had experienced before.

"It was wonderful... it felt safe and welcoming. The team was very supportive, friendly and non-judgmental - being there was like feeling free. Open Door has supported me more than any other service.

"I know I would not be here today had it not been for the help they gave me when I was in crisis."

Fiona Marsden, manager at Open Door, said: "We're incredibly grateful that the team at Primark's Stockport store have chosen us as the recipient of their generosity and to raise awareness of our service. 

"Every penny raised goes directly towards helping Stockport residents who are struggling with their mental health, and allows us to reach even more people who may not know where to turn."

The Open Door 24/7 helpline provides emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 138 7276.

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