A city tattoo artist is using the grief of losing loved ones to suicide to power him through a trek of almost 2,000 miles around the UK.

Rytchad Soddy, former owner and current tattooist at Sith Tattoo Studio in Dereham Road, started his journey on May 1 last year at the island of Great Britain's most northern point, Dunnet Head in Scotland.

Due to work commitments, the journey has had to be split up, with Rytchad spending two weeks in August travelling down the country before going back to start finishing the last leg on April 18.

Through the overnight camping, harsh inclines and long days, the 47-year-old pushes forward in memory of his friends.

Rytchad said: "Talking about mental health is extremely important.

"My first experience of it was losing my best friend at 17 years old and more recently losing my godson just before Covid.

Norwich Evening News: Rytchad Soddy climbed Scafell Pike, England's tallest mountain, in Cumbria, during his charity trek Rytchad Soddy climbed Scafell Pike, England's tallest mountain, in Cumbria, during his charity trek (Image: Rytchad Soddy)

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"During the pandemic my mental health was also deteriorating so I wanted to be able to go on an adventure and this is something I've wanted to do all my life.

"So I thought while doing this why not try and raise some money for an issue close to my heart and help bring it to people's attention."

Rytchad hopes to hit the westernmost point in his journey, Land's End in Cornwall, by the end of the month before moving on to Lizard Point which is roughly a three-day walk away and finally setting off for the easternmost point, Lowestoft.

A GoFundMe has been set up to raise money for the Suicide Awareness and Prevention UK charity which currently sits at more than £1,700.

Norwich Evening News: Rytchad Soddy during his charity trek Rytchad Soddy during his charity trek (Image: Rytchad Soddy)

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The journey can also be tracked via the 'It's a really long way Rytch vs Britain' Facebook page, where there are regular updates.

Rytchad said he feels "truly blessed" by the people he's met along his travels, adding: "Every time I mention what I'm doing this for, there's someone who says they've been affected by suicide.

"There's been so many amazing people on this journey and they've all been so helpful making the trekking a little easier."