Blackburn Rovers star Tyrhys Dolan joined a group of local residents for a special walk at the club's Ewood Park home, to mark the start of Mental Health Awareness Week 2021.
The 19-year-old attacker - who is sponsored by the club's Community Trust - completed a Mile for Mind with participants of the 'Jack's Walkers' programme, as they returned to Rovers' home ground for the first time since the outbreak of coronavirus.
The group completed four laps of the pitch perimeter and remained in good spirits despite adverse weather conditions in East Lancashire. Dolan is a regular when it comes to community outreach and is keen to raise awareness when it comes to mental health, having lost close friend Jeremy Wisten last year.
Speaking after the walk, Dolan said: "It's massive for me to have come here today and walk and talk with some supporters. Some of the ladies have been coming to Ewood for so many years and I thought it was great to learn more about them.
"A lot of people have been isolated this year, so for them to come back to the stadium and see one of the players was great, I think it will keep them looking forward. It's been a blessing for me to come here and do what I love every single day, and just to be doing this today has put a smile on my face - it's lifted me.
"I'm really thankful to the club and the supporters. When I was a kid, I always said that if I got into the position of being a footballer, I'd want to care about everything and give something back. We're all equal and without the people we wouldn't be here, so whenever there's a chance to show my gratitude, I'll do it. I want to be a role model and set an example.
"The mental health work is very important to me too. I've struggled personally and I think it's so important to raise awareness - days like today are amazing. If we keep putting positivity out there, it can go such a long way.
"I've got a little necklace with a picture of Jeremy in, and I look at that before every game. That's my bigger reason to go out there and give it everything, I want to make him and his family proud.
"I'd say to anyone that's struggling 'it's been a tough time, but keep your head up and keep going'. Day by day, you're going to keep getting better, so don't give up. You've got to keep strong and keep stepping in the right direction and hopefully we can do that together."
Find out how you can get involved in the Mile for Mind at mind.org.uk/efl