A fundraiser who has raised over £3,000 for suicide prevention charity CALM recently took on one of Cheshire's most unusual sporting events, as part of his mission to complete 365 different sports in 365 days.

Jacob Vahey, 25, travelled from Hull to compete in the World Worm Charming Championships at Willaston Primary Academy, where contestants attempt to coax worms from the ground using a variety of techniques.

The event was Jacob's latest challenge in a year-long fundraising campaign inspired by the loss of two close friends to suicide.

Since beginning the challenge in October last year, he has raised £3,099 for Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), with a target of £4,000.

An aerial view of the World Worm Charming Championships at Willaston Primary Academy (Photo: Jonathan White).

Jacob said: "I'm doing this in memory of two close friends who sadly took their own lives. CALM is a charity that means a great deal to me because it supports people when life gets overwhelming and helps make sure nobody has to face things alone."

At the championships, competitors are given a three-metre square plot and 30 minutes to attract as many worms as possible from the soil.

With the help of his support team, Jacob successfully charmed eight worms from the school field before they were safely returned to the ground.

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The World Worm Charming Championships have been held in Willaston since 1980 and attract competitors from across the UK and overseas.

Jacob's challenge has seen him try a different sport every day while working full-time, with activities ranging from cheese rolling and wife carrying to curling, fencing and kabaddi.

He said: "There have been plenty of sore muscles and some questionable performances, but every challenge helps raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention."

With three months of the challenge still remaining, Jacob hopes to push past his fundraising target and continue spreading awareness of the support available to people struggling with their mental health.

Anyone wishing to support Jacob's fundraising efforts can donate via his JustGiving page HERE.

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