Christmas jumper man walks for men's mental health

Dan Hiorns Dan Hiorns wearing a Christmas jumper, which has a pattern of holly leaves and berries, and shows the words "have a holly jolly Christmas". There are also white showflakes and Christmas trees on the jumper, which has a red background. Mr Hiorns is wearing glasses and smiling at the camera with his head slightly tilted.Dan Hiorns
The former Samaritan said his efforts were to "get people talking"

A man is trying to make a difference by walking 14,400 steps a day - between 11km and 12km (6.8-7.5 miles) -– from 1 to 25 December, wearing a different Christmas jumper.

Dan Hiorns, 36, from Kidderminster, Worcestershire, said he wanted to raise awareness of the 1440 men who, he claimed, took their own lives every day across the world.

He said he had collected Christmas jumpers for several years and wanted to put them to good use for charity.

Funds raised will go to Movember, a campaign to raise awareness and funds for men's health issues including suicide prevention.

The former Samaritan, who volunteered at the charity's Brierley Hill branch, said it was to "get people talking", adding: "Us men aren't always the best at talking about how they feel."

"I thought a good way to spread the message is to wear a Christmas jumper and often it gets random people talking to you."

Mr Hiorns is completing his challenge by walking around the Kidderminster area for about two hours in total each day – including walking his daughter to school.

He is also wearing a different jumper each day.

He said he owned 29 Christmas jumpers in total, so he had a few in reserve. His favourite ones, he said, included an elf and the Grinch.

So far, he had raised £598 of his £1,000 target.

"Hopefully, we can get there by Christmas Day," he said.

Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

Related internet links