They raised just over £42,000 for mental health charity Dorset Mind by inspiring nearly 200 people to join them in a month-long physical challenge in 2020.

#TheJune500 ‘Bournemouth 2 Paris’ Challenge.

And now businessmen Ty Temel, Jamie Whisken and Ben Reynolds have thrown down the gauntlet again.

The founders of R1SE Gym have teamed up with Dorset Mind to encourage people to reap the benefits of exercise on their mental health – and raise much-needed funds for the charity at the same time.

“It was such a success; we feel compelled to do it again in 2021,” said Ty.

Last year’s June 500 challenged participants to travel 500 kilometres in the month of June by running, swimming, walking or cycling.

The distance is approximately the same as travelling from Bournemouth to Paris.

The trio, pictured in 2020, intend to smash the amount raised – £42,088.80 – and make a big difference to Dorset Mind which has seen a drop in income during the pandemic.

The original idea was born from harnessing the benefits that exercise has on mental wellbeing.

The three founders experienced this themselves, having focused on improving their own fitness while their businesses were forced to close during the lockdowns.

This year, Ty, Jamie and Ben believe the challenge will be a powerful motivator as people are returning to work and their ‘normal lives’.

And although they may have less spare time there is more of a need to focus on their mental wellbeing.

The trio are encouraging people to enter in pairs, groups or teams to help spread the distance.

As before you can cover the distance by running, swimming, walking or cycling.

Raising funds is even more important for Dorset Mind this year as demand for its services has soared during lockdown and shows no signs of slowing.

Ty, who is an Ambassador for Dorset Mind, said: “We were absolutely blown away by the effect the challenge had last year, it brought a real sense of community and togetherness when people needed it most.

“We got people off the sofa and out enjoying their local areas and nature, which is vital for wellbeing.

“It was such a success; we feel compelled to do it again in 2021.

“We need to reinforce the message for people to look after themselves, keeping mentally and physically fit.

“We had 200 people involved last year, plus many donations and supporters.

“We would love to get the same or even more this year to support mental health.”

Ben said #TheJune500 had been a success story for mental health that they wanted to build upon and grow.

He added: “Last year, the challenge brought togetherness at a time of separation.

“We united behind this amazing campaign and it was so touching to see all the social posts and messages of the community getting mobilised and engaged.

“As the world moves faster in 2021, the need for community spirit, a personal challenge and increased physical movement is key to people embracing and preparing themselves for the new normality.

“Mental health awareness is more crucial now than ever, so we want to facilitate raising funds and increasing conversations.”

Jamie said: “It seems a ‘no-brainer’ to do #TheJune500 again this year.

“We were taken back not only by the amount raised last year, but the real effect it had on mental wellbeing.

“We all had feedback and messages of thanks for motivating people to get out and about.

“It is just as crucial a year that we maintain that focus and prioritise taking time for ourselves and look after our minds.”

Dorset Mind’s Chief Executive, Marianne Storey, pictured left, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Ty, Ben and Jamie for leading this incredible challenge again.

“The impact their fundraising had for Dorset Mind last year was colossal – they helped us stabilise during very uncertain times for the charity.

“This in turn enabled us to provide support for people that needed our help to survive lockdown.

“Last year the pandemic forced us all to became very aware about our own mental health and we encouraged people to have open conversations about their wellbeing.

“This year we hope #TheJune500 will achieve this and help us provide a wide range of 1-2-1 and group therapies for people to access when they do want to reach out for our support.”

Dorset Mind Patron and Principal Academic at Bournemouth University, Dr Andy Mayers, pictured right, added: “It’s really great to see #TheJune 500 happening again this year, thanks to Ty, Ben and Jamie.

“This is a timely opportunity to show how we can use activity to maintain good physical and mental health, and a wonderful way to raise much needed funds so that we can support mental health across Dorset.

“While we still don’t know the full impact of the pandemic on mental health, we do need to make sure Dorset Mind is ready to provide that support.

“We can only do that with funding.

“While a target of reaching 500 kilometres in June may seem a little daunting, it’s worth remembering that it can be a team effort, which could make the challenge fun too.”

• For more information about the 1-2-1 and group support Dorset Mind offers adults and young people across Dorset, or if you would like to contribute or volunteer to help the charity, then please see Dorset Mind’s website.
• Special thanks go from Dorset Mind and the founders of The June 500 to Elaine Walker of Verde Marketing for supporting the campaign. 
• See the JustGiving page here.