Event has given him plenty to focus on
For Neil Morrison the chance to compete in the 24-hour race is one way of raising awareness and removing the stigma surrounding mental health.
By his own admission, Neil endured a nightmare 2017 after suffering from depression and even a suicide attempt.
Now the Wishaw Mountain Bike Club (WMBC) Socialtrack ace is focusing his mind on competing in Northumberland in February as well as going all the way to the 24-hour World Championships later this year.
He said:“Last year was terrible for me. I had a few problems with depression and had a suicide attempt. This has really given me something to focus on.
“It’s great camaraderie when you are on the bike together.
“It can be difficult to talk about mental health sometimes but I’m hoping I can raise awareness and prove you can come through it.
“I found the best thing you can do is talk about it.
“I’m just using this a test event. I’m now planning to go to the World Championships in Fort William! “It just shows what can be done.” “I’ve never done anything like this before. I used to race BMX’s!”
Over the past few weeks Neil and the other members of the WMBC Socialtrack Team have been busy helping youngsters at Craigneuk’s new bike pump track.
Since the opening of the track, club members have also been involving schools with everyone revelling with the world class facilities on their doorstep.
Neil added:“We are just trying to help the young people out.
“We are doing something ridiculous hoping to prove to them that no matter how crazy your goal is you can achieve it.”