BOOTS & BEARDS
Special Recognition
Unique group helping Glasgow’s Asian community discover freedom, friendship and mental wellbeing in the Scottish mountains.
Actor John Michie and Homes Under the Hammer presenter Martel Maxwell said they were honoured to hand over a Special Recognition award to Kash Butt, 43, Naveed Bakhsh, 44, and Zain Sehgal, 35.
The trio founded Boots and Beards five years ago after Kash fell severely ill. As part of his recovery, he decided to take up hiking to get fit. Family and friends were inspired by his Facebook pictures to join him, and he soon realised the walks could have a wider impact.
Holby City and former Coronation Street star John said: “What a simple but incredibly effective idea this trio have had
and implemented. They have blown me away. Walking is good for the soul and body and these gentlemen have used it to foster friendship, mental wellbeing and fun.”
Kash, a pharmacy manager, said: “Nature doesn’t recognise colour; it is there for everyone. Also, there’s a lot of stigma about mental health in our community. It doesn’t get talked about, especially among males. It’s their bravado. They are the family head and have to be the strong one – sometimes that can be too much.”
Zain added: “When we started the group, men were opening up. They were with people their age and could share any issues they had with people they were comfortable talking to.”
Boots and Beards is open to all ages, faiths and genders, with pensioners and families with toddlers walking together. Groups are now mixed, but there is also a women only group called Bonnie Boots.”
TV favourite Martel said: “I love that they have now incorporated a walking group for women where they can leave the trials of family life behind and have some me-time with female friends.”
Boots and Beards is now a registered charity, and has branched out into badminton, spin classes and boot camps and organising Duke of Edinburgh trips.
Zain was recently invited by Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Park to join their board so they could better reflect the diversity of Scotland. The group recently celebrated their 100th walk with an event at Balmaha.