A MAN who took up hillwalking when recovering from depression, is now tackling the ten highest hills in his home region of Fife in under 24 hours for his latest challenge, which will seem him virtually unite with hundreds of others across Scotland.

Cowdenbeath fan Ross Cunningham has made it his mission to not let something like lockdown or the pandemic slow him down when it comes to taking on new challenges and supporting good mental health.

Fresh off the back of climbing the equivalent height of three of Scotland’s most famous peaks using just his staircase at home, Ross has now signed up to take part in this year’s SAMH Virtual Stomp.

The SAMH Virtual Stomp is a stair-climbing challenge with a difference, taking place from October 5 in the run up to World Mental Health Day, October 10, raising vital funds for mental health charity, SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health). With four Stomp levels to choose from, ‘Stompers’ will be able to set a challenge level which works for them!

Anyone can take part in the SAMH Virtual Stomp, no matter where they are in Scotland. All they need is a staircase (or a hill!) and to choose their challenge level.

The 34 year old hill-climber, who stays in Genrothes, says he’s putting his own ‘Fifer’ spin on the challenge,

“The SAMH Virtual Stomp is both a fantastic way to raise funds for a mental health charity while also enjoying the mental health benefits of being physically active.

"I'm passionate about hillwalking and promoting the benefits of it and I wanted to tie that into my SAMH Stomp challenge in some way! We have many brilliant wee hills in Fife that I think are often overlooked, which are accessible to most abilities and ages.

“I'm a Fifer and I think the challenge of trying to do all ten hills in one day is really exciting as I'm pretty sure no one has ever attempted it before! It will be hard and I'm sure I will be walking for a few hours of it in the dark with a head torch! I'll be joined by my wee Westie and hillwalking companion, Dex the dog, who will be coming with me on my first and tenth hills in the challenge, Saline Hill and East Lomond Hill.”

To many, the SAMH Virtual Stomp is an opportunity to show their support for good mental health in Scotland. Ross said after experiencing depression, he understands the need for the support and information provided by SAMH across the country,

“Just over three years ago I took up hiking Scotland's mountains when going through a period of depression. I couldn't watch a film, I couldn't read a book, I found it hard to concentrate at work. But hiking up a mountain gave me a focus, something I could use to quieten the mind for a while to give me a chance to refocus and recharge mentally.

“Since then, I've become more aware of people across Scotland who are opening up about their mental health. Charities like SAMH, Scotland's mental health charity, do so much to keep mental health in the public eye and to support people through their services. The SAMH website and social media channels are also a great way to inform people about steps they can take to improve their mental health and how to support other people who are struggling.”