Mental health and substance abuse issues are near and dear to Mitch Buxton鈥檚 heart.

With that in mind, he decided to take on an enormous task as a fundraiser for the Canadian Mental Health Association for the second year in a row.

Buxton, 26, who lives in Ladysmith, rode a stationary bicycle at Anytime Fitness in Chemainus for 24 hours straight from 3 p.m. Thursday, May 11 until 3 p.m. Friday, May 12. Other than a sore behind, he鈥檚 none the worse for wear and happy to contribute to the cause.

鈥淭he battle is ongoing and this year I want to help make a difference,鈥� noted Buxton on his fundraising page. 鈥淢ental health and substance use continues within our communities.鈥�

Buxton also cycled in memory of his uncle, Frank Buxton Jr., and already surpassed his $1,000 goal with $1,600 raised to date. Donations are still being taken until the end of the month and can be made .

鈥淧lease consider donating to help those who struggle,鈥� noted Buxton, who works as a nurse at a rehabilitation unit at Cowichan Lodge.

Completing this fundraiser wasn鈥檛 easy, but he had no intention of making it easy on himself.

鈥淚t was quite something,鈥� Buxton said. 鈥淚 had a lot of support throughout the 24 hours. There was probably only an hour when I was alone.鈥�

Last June, he raised around $15,000 for mental health after cycling from Vancouver to Toronto in 20 days.

鈥淚鈥檓 very proud of it,鈥� said Buxton of his fundraising efforts. 鈥淚 had a lot of support for both fundraisers so I鈥檓 grateful.鈥�

He intends to do another fundraiser for mental health next year and is looking for ideas. 鈥淗opefully, nothing to do with bikes,鈥� Buxton quipped.