Cycling stars Sir Chris Hoy and Graeme Obree were today joined
by comedienne Ruby Wax to launch a £1million fund-raising target to
help SAMH raise money for essential community projects.
Last year, Sir Chris Hoy became SAMH's Ambassador and launched
'Get Active', a five-year campaign to improve Scotland's mental
health through taking part in sport and physical activity. As part
of this campaign, SAMH set out to develop a series of 10
community-based services across Scotland which would work with
people who have mental health problems to become more active.
Since then, SAMH has raised an incredible £400,000 and launched
three of these services. With help from three very fitting stars,
SAMH is now appealing to big-hearted Scots to help raise funds for
the remaining seven.
Four-times Olympic Gold medallist, Sir Chris Hoy, has often
spoken of the importance of good mental health. On being an
Ambassador for SAMH for a second year, he comments: "I am
continually inspired by the enthusiasm and dedication shown by
everyone at SAMH and I am extremely proud to act as SAMH's
Ambassador."
One of Chris' sporting heroes, former cycling world champion and
world record holder Graeme Obree - a.k.a The Flying Scotsman -
lives with depression caused by bipolar disorder. He commented: "By
raising awareness and promoting the benefits of recovery and good
mental health, SAMH provides such an important service that touches
so many people. I am delighted to be given the opportunity of
adding my support to SAMH and proud to be a supporter of such a
fantastic charity".
Renowned comedienne and writer Ruby Wax (who's taking time out
from her UK tour to support SAMH) also lives with depression and
added: "One in five people have had dandruff; one in four people
have had a mental health problem. I've had both. I'm supporting
SAMH and all the amazing work they are doing throughout Scotland,
raising awareness to help understand the importance of good mental
health and providing services that reach thousands of
individuals".
Sir Chris Hoy, Ruby Wax, Graeme Obree, Paul McStay
At Celtic Park, Sir Chris Hoy and Graeme Obree were also joined
by football legend Paul McStay, former Captain of Scotland and
Celtic player, to meet with individuals who use SAMH services and
learn more about their experiences and the difference that the
services they use make to their lives. Many people talked about how
they were getting active and the benefits this brought, while Sir
Chris Hoy was able to share some star tips. Brian, a SAMH service
user, commented: "It's great to meet Chris Hoy and it's fantastic
that he is supporting SAMH".
With one in four of the population experiencing poor mental
health in their lifetime, SAMH is well placed to make a significant
difference for a huge number of people. Billy Watson, SAMH Chief
Executive, comments: "But we can't do it without the support of
people such as Sir Chris, Graeme and Ruby campaigning for us, or
without the good-hearted Scottish public who can make a donation to
help us make sure that as many people as possible are able to look
after their mental health by taking part in sport and physical
activity."
SAMH Ambassador Sir Chris Hoy
Learn more about our Ambassador Sir Chris Hoy and the
reasons why he has chosen to support SAMH, Scotland's leading
mental health charity.
