A Bournemouth University psychologist is backing a Sport Relief campaign to shed light on maternal mental illness.

TV presenter Fern Britton will share her personal experiences alongside other mums and dads in a bid to raise awareness as part of the annual fund raising drive.

The move has won praise from Bournemouth’s Dr Andrew Mayers who is involved with local and national perinatal mental health campaigns.

He said: “I am passionate about getting more mental health support for mothers and fathers. I have been part of the campaigns targeted at MPs to make these services a greater priority.

“A great way to reinforce that need, is to get people talking more openly about their own experiences. This will help show the huge impact that perinatal mental illness has on families. I am delighted that Sport Relief has chosen to show their support for our work.”

Sport Relief takes place from March 18-20.