ARE NOT ALONE
BY MOIRA KERR A SUPPORT group set up by a Scots dad whose son took his own life has already saved three others from the same fate.
Amateur photographer Robert Cruickshanks launched Martyn’s Monday Club to help others in the same situation.
And as the group launches a calendar to fund their efforts, the impact of their work in the Oban area has been revealed.
Robert, 64, said: “Martyn was a 37-year-old family man and good friend to many.
“He was renowned for standing up for the underdog and was always at hand to help anyone suffering at the hands of bullies.
“But while he concentrated on helping others, he had his own troubles that he didn’t talk about and this resulted in him becoming yet another suicide statistic. He went for a drive one Monday morning in May 2018 and he never came home.”
He added: “Now Martyn’s Monday Club and the club’s ladies group, are succeeding in helping others choose a different path.
“The club is a safe place to talk and it’s non-judgmental.”
While some folk may spend a lifetime searching for a glimpse of a pinemarten, or a red squirrel, Robert, from Oban, can see all creatures great and small just outside his back door.
The Oootmahoosewindae Calendar features snaps captured by Robert and award-winning photographers Jamie MacArthur, Chas Moonie, Ally Marsh and Rob Graham, who have all visited his garden. At the calendar launch, club co-founder Des MacMillan said: “We have gone from strength to strength.” The calendars are £15 each, plus £3.95 postage, from ootmahoosewindae.com