A MENTAL health charity has said it is "overwhelmed" after more than £22,000 was raised through the return of a popular event.

A total of 2,000 runners took part in this year's Colchester Zoo Stampede, which was raising money for Mid and North East Essex Mind.

Runners braved the rainy conditions as they took part supported by their loved ones. 

And now it has been revealed the running enthusiasts raising more than £22,000 for the important mental health charity.

Sonia Adoboe, from Colchester, ran for the charity as she has experienced stress and trauma.

She said: “I ran to raise money for Mind as a way of thanking them after having counselling from them after losing close relatives.” 

Gazette: Joy - Runners at the Colchester Zoo Stampede raised £22,000 for MindJoy - Runners at the Colchester Zoo Stampede raised £22,000 for Mind (Image: Steve Brading)

Kieran Leatherdale, who works at Haines Watts chartered accountants in Colchester, spoke on their team who also ran for the charity.

He said: “We have a team running to raise money for Mid and North East Essex Mind as we know mental health is important in our communities. 

"Any sort of exercise is good for mental health, just to do something like run or go to the gym for an hour a day helps.” 

Chief executive of Mid and North East Essex Mind Ginny Idehen said: “We were overwhelmed by the response from fundraisers to this year’s Stampede.

"Everyone in the community came out to support this fun event.” 

“Exercise is brilliant for our general fitness, but it also helps us release happy hormones, which is great for our mental health.” 

Mid and North East Essex Mind offers a wide range of mental health services, such as one-to-one counselling, support for those recovering from addiction or mental health issues and practical help to overcome anxiety. 

Gazette: Race - The Stampede at Colchester Zoo saw runners attempt a 10k raceRace - The Stampede at Colchester Zoo saw runners attempt a 10k race (Image: Steve Brading)

The Stampede also supported Colchester Zoo’s ‘Action for the Wild’ charity.

The charity helps to fund conservation projects across the world and has set up the 6,000-hectare UmPhafa private nature reserve in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. 

Mind will also be the charity partner for Stampede 2025, which will take place on April 27 next year. 

To enquire about places, email fundraising@mnessexmind.org or call 01206 764600. 

For more information on the charity, visit mnessexmind.org.