Perthshire Advertiser

Fab four get FM’s support for cycle

- MELANIE BONN

The Perth Co-op branch on Rannoch Road in Perth has four members of staff getting set to ride their bikes to Dundee.

To raise awareness for mental health, store colleagues Shaun Kay, Gary Bennett, Christina Cunningham and Angie Duff are doing a sponsored cycle from the Fair City to Dundee and back again on May 16.

The four want to support @ SAMHtweets.

The charity SAMH (Scottish Associatio­n for Mental Health) works to provide mental health social care support, services in primary care, schools and further education in Scotland.

The charity’s campaign work includes See Me, respectme, suicide prevention and active living which aim to influence positive social change.

SAMH has responded to the difficult times and set up a special coronaviru­s mental health informatio­n hub.

Shaun’s fundraisin­g got off to a memorable start when Nicola Sturgeon agreed to support his effort when she passed the Co-op on an election walkabout.

Shaun said: “I’m buzzing after a £20 sponsor from FM Nicola Sturgeon after her being outside the store campaignin­g.

“It’s important for me to support mental health as I know young people who have taken their own lives during the pandemic.”

Gary commented: “Mental health has affected my family, even more so since this pandemic has started.

“So SAMH is very close to my heart. For me, doing a cycle to Dundee and home again is my way of giving a little back to the people that are helping my family.”

Christina added: “I’m hoping we can make it there and back with the weather on our side. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

The fourth member of the team Angie said: “I feel determined and motivated into doing this cycling fundraiser for SAMH. There are too many people out there suffering in silence and to be involved with the Co-op raising money for this great cause is ideal for me.

“By working together, let’s make this world a happier place.”

So far customers, friends and family have helped the group raise £190 of their £300 cycle ride target.

The bike to Dundee is one part of a bigger weekend of fundraisin­g for SAMH by the Rannoch Road Co-op.

Store manager Darren Kay outlined what else is coming up.

“Living with COVID this past year has affected many people’s mental health. The staff at Rannoch Road Co-op want to support SAMH in raising awareness for mental health, as it is a subject close to many of our hearts.

“We have a fun day organised for

Saturday, May 15, including a raffle to win a tour of Ibrox for four people.

“We’ve also got a tombola with loads of great prizes to be won from caps to champagne. Other things to try will be a cake and candy stall and a chance to guess the amount of jellies in the jar.

“We hope everybody in Perth comes along to support us on May 15, it will be fun.”

The link to support Shaun, Gary, Christina and Angie on their bike is: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ charity-cycle-to-dundee?utm_ campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_ medium=social&utm_source=twitter

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