Highland shinty club ‘share the load’ for Mikeysline

Glen Urquhart Shinty Club are putting down their camans this weekend and picking up their “teammate” to highlight the physical toll of mental health.

This Sunday (29^th), relay teams will ‘Share the Load’ in a fundraising walk from Inverness to Drumndrochit. Players will transport a stretcher carrying a rescue dummy, in place of a real person, along the 18-mile route to represent sharing the weight of a friend in need of support. The duration is anticipated to take between 7-8 hours.

Partnering with Mikeysline, club members and volunteers will set off from Bught Park at 08:00am, making their way towards the Great Glen Way to their home ground of Blairbeg Park, in a visual display of unity for sharing the strain a friend, family member or colleague may feel while struggling with their mental health.

Sponsorship from the challenge will be split between the club and Mikeysline to further invest in the lifeline services they provide to all ages and genders throughout the Highlands, Islands and Moray.

Mikeysline CEO, Emily Stokes, said: “Glen Urquhart Shinty Club have always been huge champions of Mikeysline and we are honoured they have chosen to support us in this creative fundraising event. The physical toll of mental health and suicidal thoughts is a heavy weight for any person to carry, and this symbolic challenge is an innovative way to showcase that and demonstrate how we can all play our role in helping those around us. It also important for those who are struggling to know that it’s ok not to be”

Camanachd Association CEO, Ruari Davison, said: “The ‘Share the Load’ fundraiser is a powerful reminder of what makes the shinty community so special — people coming together to support one another. Glenurquhart Shinty Club and its volunteers deserve huge congratulations for organising this event, which will raise vital funds and awareness of the great work that Mikeysline provide for people in Highland and rural communities. By literally sharing the load, participants are sending a strong message: no one should carry their burdens alone.”

H.I.S Director, supporter of GUSC and Mikeysline, Garry MacIntosh will be taking part. He said: “The strength of the shinty community lies in how we look after each other, both on and off the pitch, and by showing our support we hope to encourage others to open-up and keep talking about mental health. Both the club and the charity are two causes close to my heart, and I’m delighted to be part of this fundraising challenge which will raise further awareness on the lifeline services provided by Mikeysline.”

Anyone who wishes to donate can do so via the club’s Go Fund Me page: www.gofundme.com/f/glen-urquhart-shinty-club-mikeys-line

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Pictured: Glen Urquhart Shinty Club

From the Bught, the team will follow the pavements to link up with the Great Glen Way, which is the main route they’ll follow for the walk to Blairbeg.

Mikeysline operates 365 days a year, accessible through their text line at 07786207755; WhatsApp at 01463 729000, messenger and via its website and live chat. They offer face-to-face support in Hives across the region – at their Inverness headquarters, and in their Alness, Nairn, Tain & District, Thurso and Elgin hubs. Here, people can engage in one-to-one support, or at some venues join in group sessions for adults, men, families and young people.

The Mikeysline mobile app: Along with their latest news, events and ways to get involved, the app makes it even easier for those in need of help to reach out for support.

Links to download our App:

Android:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thecafeapp.mikeysline&pcampaignid=web_share

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/mikeysline/id6736364818

The charity also produces a popular podcast, Speaking of Suicide; provides support for businesses; works closely with teachers and pupils in schools across the North of Scotland.

For more information, visit www.mikeysline.co.uk or find Mikeysline on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok