Jurby resident Alanna Ellison is preparing to cycle hundreds of miles across the north of the island this September in a effort to raise £4,000 for four charities that have each played an important role in her life.

The 37-year-old, who is half Manx and has lived in the island since 2012, hopes to raise £1,000 each for Isle Stand Up to Suicide, Ed Space, Without Wings and Victim Support Isle of Man.

Her challenge is about more than fundraising - it is an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health, suicide prevention, autoimmune illness and support for victims of crime, while encouraging people to seek help when they need it.

For Alanna, the challenge is deeply personal.

Throughout her life she has experienced mental health difficulties, including living with ADHD, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

She has also cared for her late mother, who lived with severe mental health issues, and previously worked in mental health herself.

She is currently living with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition, and is receiving support from Victim Support Isle of Man following domestic violence.

Alanna has also experienced the devastating impact of suicide, having lost close friends and family over the years, including five friends in the Isle of Man since moving to the island in 2012.

She believes the focus should be on raising awareness of suicide prevention and ensuring that anyone who is struggling knows that support is available.

Another charity being supported is Without Wings, which was founded in 2016 to support people affected by an autoimmune arthritis diagnosis.

Since then the charity has evolved and altered its services to support the 10% affected by any autoimmune condition in the island.

Alanna said the support she has received from them has made a significant difference.

‘They supported me and funded my bicycle so this is my way of saying thank you and raising awareness of the charity,’ she said.

She hopes the money raised will aid each organisation in their bid to help others, whether it be through support or spreading awareness through different campaigns.

Her challenge will start on September 6 and last for two weeks.

In the meantime, training has become one of Alanna’s main priorities.

She said: ‘It's been very difficult but I'm averaging 10 to 15 miles per day and using my turbo trainer indoors when the weather isn't suitable. I am determined to do this.

‘I am happy to be raising awareness and hopefully can reach my target or even surpass it. I am keeping the fundraiser open an extra two weeks after. I am also handing out posters for cafes around the island.’

During the challenge, Alanna will wear a high-visibility vest featuring the Food Bank's logo on the back. Having previously worked for the charity, she has seen first-hand the difference it makes and believes the work they do is vital to supporting people in the community.