Neil Harris

A man who created a charity to help people with mental health problems, inspired by helping a friend recover using physical activity, has been put forward for the Legacy Award sponsored by chartered accountants Vale & West.

“Sport in Mind is the brainchild of Neil Harris and its origins can be traced to the simple act of trying to help a childhood friend, who had become mentally unwell,” said the nominator.

“In 2009, Neil devised a physical activity programme to help aid his friend’s recovery. Little did he realise this would inspire a charity which would go on to help thousands of people with mental health problems. To date he has helped 31,000 people who struggle with their mental health and I know he will continue to help thousands more,” said the nominator, who has benefited from the charity’s work.

Neil mentored his friend back to health and he has been relapse free for over a decade, said the nominator who got involved with the charity during Covid.

They said: “All of my sports stopped and I really started to struggle. I developed really bad anxiety.  

“My mum encouraged me to attend Sport in Mind sessions and I went to Palmer Park and did football. He created a safe space where I could talk about my feelings. It gave me hope, a voice, and I knew I wasn't alone; my feelings felt validated and I felt understood.”

The nominator has gone on to fundraise for the charity, undertaking multiple challenges including a bike ride from Woodley to Paris in just three days. 

“He has shown me that despite obstacles I can achieve anything I set my mind to.”