Pals to scale heights for men’s talk group
Help set up following spate of sudden suicides
The founder of an Ayrshire-wide organisation dedicated to improving the mental health of men is scaling new heights to help fund the service.
Robbie Muir, 32, along with his two pals, Scott McIntyre and Adam Gibson, are taking on a Three Peaks Challenge in August to raise funds for Release Ayrshire.
Over the course of one weekend in August, the intrepid trio will attempt to scale Goat Fell in Arran, Ben Lomond and complete the task by climbing Ben Nevis.
And Robbie is hoping that his fundraising attempt will capture the imagination of others and help boost the coffers.
Release Ayrshire is a ‘first-step chatting platform’ dedicated to supporting men and kids from anywhere in the county who are currently going through tough times.
It was established almost three years ago and the group is embarking on the Three Peaks Challenge to mark the third anniversary of the scheme.
Robbie, 32, was prompted to start Release Ayrshire after a spate of tragic suicides over the course of one weekend in which there were three suicides in Cumnock.
Robbie said: “This challenge is open to anyone who wants to come on board and help us raise awareness and funds for our service. With that being said, being the founder, myself and two friends have decided to aim higher and do all three in one weekend – Goat fell, Ben Lomond and Ben Nevis.
“With everyone doing hillwalking and staycations, we thought it was quite a good idea. It’s also Release Ayrshire’s third anniversary, so the three peaks will celebrate our three years in existence. It’s also a great way to help people’s mental health and get them out walking and taking part in an activity. It’ll raise awareness for us and funds too.
“Scott, Adam and myself are doing this over the course of August 13 to August 15, but the challenge is open to anyone else to complete over a three-week period. None of us have done anything like this before and it’s going to be a challenge and a busy weekend!”
Patna-based River View Motor Homes are supplying a vehicle for the boys to travel to and from their locations and the team is extremely grateful for their backing.
Robbie is encouraging locals businesses to sign up as part of a team building day.
There’s a virtual version too, where participants just need to walk the distance and have their efforts tacked. Those who raise a certain amount of money will receive a sports bottle, medal and certificate and everyone will receive a free t-shirt too.
Events company Stix will also sponsor the challenge and provide participants with hydration sachets.
Robbie said: “All the money raised will go straight back into Release Ayrshire and help us with the work that we do.”
To help boost the coffers go to the group’s JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/3peak
For more information, go to the Release Ayrshire’s Facebook page, where you can register for the challenge for £5.