Jack and I have decided to show our support for vital mental health services in Scotland this August by taking on a "wee bike" challenge. We hope those reading know just how important Mental Health is, but here are a few things it's worth remembering:

- We all have Mental Health – let's talk about it

- 1 in 4 people will experience mental ill health in any given year (that's all of us in a lifetime)

- 1 in 100 will experience severe and enduring mental illness

- 2 people die by suicide every day in Scotland

- Mental Health support can and does save lives. 

We would hugely appreciate if you could help us to support vital community mental health support services in Scotland. We hope to earn your support by taking on a cycle of (we estimate) about 120 miles in a day. We plan to ride between two critical support services in Edinburgh and Glasgow and back, taking in a whole lot of canal tow paths on the way. Oh, and did we mention we'll also be doing it on "wee bikes" – our two 16-inch-wheeled Bromptons – who doesn't love a challenge?!

Our route will begin on August 17th at Support in Mind Scotland's Stafford Centre on Broughton Street in Edinburgh – we'll then make our way to the canal tow paths which will take us over the Avon Aquaduct, underneath Callander Estate, past the Falkirk Wheel... and eventually we'll make it to Glasgow where we'll carry on to Flourish House on Ashley Street (and then we'll turn back and do it all again in reverse...!).

We intend to donate 50% of the total funds raised to Support in Mind Scotland's general fund and 25% each to the services mentioned above on our route. 

From Nicole: "Having previously worked for Support in Mind Scotland, and having had the privilege of spending time in The Stafford Centre, I know firsthand just what a tremendous difference the welcoming, friendly and supportive environments of community mental health resource centres can make. Having cared for a family member who experienced quite severe and enduring mental illness, I know just how important it is that those living with mental illness, and those that care about them, receive the right support at the right time. I cannot stress enough how much value there is in the work that mental health charities across Scotland do, and particularly the work of Support in Mind Scotland."


From Jack: "As I'm sure many of you are aware, suicide is the biggest cause of death in men under 45 in the UK. This is a deeply concerning statistic that necessitates cultural change and an increase in funding to the health service and charities like Support in Mind Scotland. Through riding our wee bikes (probably much further than we should) we hope you might consider making a contribution to help the lives of people struggling with mental ill health."

A huge thank you from us both. x

P.s. you can follow our progress as we draw closer on Twitter #WeeBikeForMH