A Penzance father who overcame his depression and anxiety by taking up trail running, is offering coaching to help others with similar problems.

Builder Andrew Phillips took up running along a Cornish coastal path when he began having trouble facing everyday life – often finding it a challenge to leave the house. “I have suffered from anxiety and panic attacks for 20 years," he said. "Running became my meditation and I found it an amazing way to achieve physical and mental wellbeing.”

When a friend started to experience mental health issues, Andrew suggested a coached run as a means of breaking the mental chains. As a result, his friend progressed to make a full recovery, and Andrew decided to use his skills to help others.

He added: “I want to help people let go of their limitations. There are no expectations, as well as no limitations on how much a person can achieve. I don’t just deal with the super fit, I can help everyone who wants to be helped. I specialise in working with people who suffer from stress, depression, and anxiety, I get them to see how their mind really works.”

One person who has benefitted from Andrew’s coaching and counselling is mother-of-three Sarah Newing, who came to Andrew suffering from anxiety, depression and panic attacks.

She said: “Meeting Andrew has helped me beyond words. With his support and guidance, he’s shown me how to deal with my anxiety head on and not let it control my life. It’s been life changing for me.”

Andrew offers one to one coaching, group sessions and running retreats from accommodation at Praa Sands. Running up to 16 miles a day, Andrew also offers coaching and training sessions to runners of all capabilities.

“There are 68 miles of local coastline to run in West Cornwall, with some exhilarating scenery. I offer counselling alongside running, to help people overcome their fears,” he said.

“I provide a method that can improve oneself physically and mentally, it really is a winning combination.”

Andrew can be contacted through ultramindcoaching.co.uk.