The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)

Concussed charity campaigner getting back in saddle after crash

Concussed mental health campaigner aims to finish ride after crash

- JaMie buchan jabuchan@thecourier.co.uk

A mental health crusader is getting back in the saddle after a dramatic fall in Perth foiled his cross-Britain cycle.

Josh Quigley, who has been riding across the world to raise awareness of suicide prevention, was injured during his latest challenge: to get from Land’s End to John o’ Groats in just one week.

After making it to Scotland in five days, the 24-year-old went over his handlebars on the edge of Perth, striking his head on the ground and leaving him severely concussed.

In a video recorded for Facebook as he was en route to hospital, Josh – known as the Tartan Explorer – said he can’t remember how he got to Perth.

“I don’t have a clue what I’ve been doing,” he said. “I know my name’s Josh and that is about it. I’m trying to work out where I’ve been and what I’m doing.

“I know that I’m doing some kind of cycle. I’m so concussed, its unbelievab­le.”

Josh was taken to Perth Royal Infirmary by touring companion and “supportveh­icle”driverCame­ronHouston. A series of tests and x-rays found no major damage, but the accident has put him out of action for a few days.

Recovering at his home in Livingston, Josh said he is still bruised and concussed but determined to get back in the saddle. “My original plan was to maybe get back out on the bike this week and maybe do the final two days,” he said. “But I’m not sure, because I don’t know how I’m going to be. When I’m feeling better, I’ll just go back to Perth and finish those final two days.”

The cycle, launched as part of mental health awareness week, was sponsored by AM Bid Services. Last year Josh cycled through Tayside as part of a ride across Scotland. The adventure was backed by End Mental Health Discrimina­tion group See Me.

 ??  ?? Mr Quigley recovering at Perth Royal Infirmary.
Mr Quigley recovering at Perth Royal Infirmary.

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