MEMBERS of the thin blue line will be joining the chairman of Malvern Hills District Council on his charity trek for mental health groups.

West Mercia Police have pledged their support for Cllr John Raine’s Hike for Health and Happiness, which will see him pass through every ward in the district and cover some 130 miles over ten days starting on Thursday, September 1.

As part of their daily patrols, a Community Support Officer or Safer Neighbourhood Team officer will be joining Cllr Raine and his wife Sue for part of the journey as a visible sign of support.

Not only does Cllr Raine hope the trek will raise a significant amount of money for three local mental health organisations – Positive Thoughts, Link Nurseries Therapy and Jigsaw – but he also wants to raise awareness of mental health issues and encourage people to talk about them more.

Supt Kevin Purcell, of West Mercia Police, said: “Mental health issues often underpin the work we do with the most vulnerable people in our communities. We often deal with some really distressing and stressful situations and a greater awareness of such issues amongst our own staff is important.

“That’s why I’m delighted to support this event, which will also give our PCSOs the chance to patrol some of their beat with the chairman, to show him the many aspects of police work in the Malvern Hills district.”

Cllr Raine said: “I have been overwhelmed by all of the responses so far, and it’s really touching to have the support and enthusiasm from West Mercia Police. The hike is going to be a real challenge, but all this support is going to help spur me on immensely, especially having people join me on foot."

Cllr Raine can be sponsored at mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/hike4health.