Blackpool mental health service fundraiser backed by Dancing on Ice star

Alex Demetriou, 31, spent his childhood and early adult life in South Shore before moving to Essex and appearing on the last two seasons of ITV's Dancing on Ice.

After returning to the resort for a few months in 2019 with his work as a professional ice skater, he found himself suffering with anxiety and depression.

Mr Demetriou decided to seek help, and after searching online for a counsellor he came across Derby Road mental health service Counselling in the Community.

The donation-based service is currently trying to raise funds for a second venue on Waterloo Road in South Shore, to reach more people on the Fylde Coast.

Alex has vowed to help the service reach its target of £5,000 to renovate an empty pawnbrokers into a community mental health hub, after manager Stuart Hutton-Brown "changed his life."

"I genuinely don't know where I would be in my life right now if it wasn't for Stuart, he changed my life," Alex said.

"I was fortunate enough to be able to afford to pay for the treatment I received at Counselling in the Community, but many aren't - so they need as much help as possible to carry on.

"Everyone needs help at some point in their lives, and you never know when you'll be one of those people.

"Stuart and the counsellors are absolutely amazing and I wanted to do something to help."

Alex has arranged a 30 mile walk on December 5 with his sister, his cousin and a friend from Blackburn to Blackpool, documenting the journey on his Instagram account to his 29,000 followers.

The walk will take around 10 hours, and he hoped to use his platform to raise awareness of the service, ultimately helping to raise the total amount needed to begin work on the empty unit.

Counselling in the Community's treatment is donation-based, and currently has around 100 visitors a week.

The number of Blackpool residents using the service, either directly or while waiting on NHS mental health lists, is steadily increasing as the coronavirus pandemic takes it toll and Christmas approaches.

The fundraiser Mr Demetriou is backing aims to raise £5,000 for a new hub, which will enable counsellors to take on more patients, as well as providing other therapeutic services such as yoga and art.

It is thanks to our loyal readers that we can continue to provide the trusted news, analysis and insight that matters to you. For unlimited access to our unrivalled local reporting, you can take out a subscription and help support the work of our dedicated team of reporters.

Please support us and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.