Perth woman taking on Ben Nevis to back her Linda’s Ladies ‘family’

A Perth woman is set to take on the UK’S highest mountain in aid of a mental health group she described as like a “family” for her.

Kayren Allan, 24, began attending Linda’s Ladies sessions in Perth, having struggled with her mental health.

Kayren will climb Ben Nevis on May 22 and has already raised more than £475, smashing her target of £300.

She will undertake her climb with the Munro’s for Mental Health group.

She said: “When I was at college, I came across the Munros for Mental Health charity and I immediately signed up. I was originally going to raise money for Mind.com but the same week, I went to Linda’s Ladies for the first time.

“After an incident in November 2019, I realised I needed to get more help. I found a family, a place I could feel safe, supported and loved, so I am doing the Munro climb for the ladies I have met at Linda’s Ladies.”

Kayren, who has borderline personality disorder, said the group’s founder, Linda Fisken, has been a huge support. She said: “Linda is an inspiration and she’s the one I am doing this for. My whole family has been a brilliant support and I see a private therapist now, and she’s been a massive support as well.”

Kayren’s sister found out about the Linda’s Ladies group and suggested that she went along.

Kayren also highlighted issues she has faced in accessing mental health support from health teams in Perth.

An NHS Tayside spokesperson said: “Anyone admitted to Perth Royal Infirmary following attempted suicide or with suicidal thoughts is seen by the mental health team and receives a full psychiatric assessment and a risk assessment to identify the best course of treatment for them.”

Linda’s Ladies was set up in November and meets every Thursday at The Tavern on South Street, Perth, from 7-8pm.

Kayren Allan is planning to climb Ben Nevis.