A GYM owner's mental health struggle has inspired a fundraising event which will raise money for a new support service.

Jamie Bowen, 29, who owns Synergy Sports and Fitness NW in Rhos-on-Sea, will complete a mammoth 12 hour sponsored fitness event in aid of the I CAN Centre at Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan. The centre provides an alternative to formal hospital based assessment and care for people experiencing low level social and mental health difficulties.

The father-of-one, who suffers with epilepsy, will be joined by fellow fitness enthusiasts.

Jamie first developed stress and depression in 2017, during a busy period in his life which saw him juggle the arrival of his son Blake with the renovation of his gym.

"Whilst I was renovating the gym I struggled stress wise massively," Jamie said.

"One day in the gym while I was demolishing a wall I had a full blown seizure and hit my head on the concrete floor. Needless to say that it could easily have been fatal.

"To recover from the seizures was taking time. The gym still needed work and I was struggling with the stress and fell into depression. I visited the doctor and I was prescribed tablets and waited over a month for a councillor, by which time things felt worse and I didn’t want to share what had happened.

"Whilst all this was going on my partner was heavily pregnant, my gym was no way near complete and due to open. Could I be a good Dad? Could I provide if I wasn’t earning? Would my partner and son be better off without me? I felt a hindrance because I needed so much care and looking after.

"It’s only been this year that I feel like I’m myself again - it’s taken a long time.”

During the challenge, gym members will take part in a number of gruelling physical challenges.

Jamie said that having somebody impartial to talk to could have made all the difference during his struggle with mental health problems.

He added: "I needed someone to talk to, someone impartial. I’d lie awake for hours every night. If the I CAN Centre was there at the time I feel it would have made a huge impact during the 18 months of my life I really struggled with."

All money raised will benefit the I CAN Centre at Glan Clwyd Hospital through NHS Charity Awyr Las' I CAN Campaign.

Meinir Evans, who coordinates the centres - which are also at Ysbyty Gwynedd and Wrexham Maelor Hospital - said: “We’re so grateful to Jamie and everyone involved with Synergy Fitness NW for choosing to support the I CAN Centre. Since setting the service we’ve been overwhelmed by the feedback from the people who have used it, and the incredible support of our network of volunteers."

The fundraising event will take place on April 14. Visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/synergy12hourworkout

Anyone interested in volunteering at the I CAN Centres can visit www.wales.nhs.uk or email ican@mantellgwynedd.com

The free and confidential C.A.L.L Mental Health Helpline is available 24/7 to provide emotional support and signposting to local services. Call 0800 132 737, text ‘Help’ to 81066, or visit www.callhelpline.org.uk.