A Gloucester man who overcame his depression to become a student pilot is taking to the skies to raise money for a mental health charity.

Lyle Weir was trapped by grief after his grandparents died, keeping his pain to himself and battling through his "dark time" alone.

The former personal trainer finally opened up to his partner during lockdown and realised he wanted to overcome his problems and pursue his dream of becoming a pilot.

Now the 24-year-old is planning a charity flight around the UK and Channel Islands on September 1 to spread an uplifting message to others who feel they have nowhere to turn.

Lyle said: "Mental health has affected everyone at some stage in their lives yet I believe it is still a very misunderstood, underestimated and dangerous killer that is hardly spoken about.

"I suffered my own battles with mental health due to the loss of close family which led me to a very low and dark time of my life that I kept quiet and to myself for a long time.

"People in my life that mean the most to me have suffered badly with mental health leaving me to feel helpless and unsure of what to do or say.

"Worst of all I have lost close friends who have had to battle with mental health and sadly chose to take their own life due to it.

"The time is now that we come together and start doing something about it."

Lyle's challenge will take 40 hours in a single aircraft provided by his flight school Aeros Flight Training. He will be making 20 landings during the flight, spreading awareness of the many illnesses and disorders that are classified and recognised under mental health.

His aim is to raise £10,000 for charity The Mix, a UK digital support service for under 25s.

Lyle said: "This charity flight won't cure everyone and make the illness disappear. But if it gets people talking, opening up and realising they are not on their own then that to me is success."

Michael Thelwall, head of fundraising at The Mix, said "We're delighted that Lyle is taking to the skies to raise money for vital mental health services for young people. His flight will help to support our life-saving services, so The Mix is always there for young people when they need us the most."

Make a donation here 

Or follow Lyle's flight here