Tesco managers from Moray and Highland walk Dava Way for SAMH

A local supermarket head walked 24 miles to raise funds for charity - following the sad passing of his colleague.

Forres Tesco manager, George Low, 30, joined a group of store leaders on the challenge on behalf of Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) from Grantown along the Dava Way via Edinkillie Hall in memory of their late employee who took his own life.

George said: “Earlier this year, we lost one of our long-standing colleagues to suicide. Sadly in Scotland this is now the biggest killer of men under 50.

“We wanted to do something as a team to try and raise awareness. If doing these 24 miles saves even one person’s life, it will have been worth every step.”

George confirmed hearing of his friend’s death was very difficult.

“We worked the same shifts and I always thought of him very highly,” he said. “It was a very emotional phone call and I was shocked to hear the news.”

A total of 22 store managers plus the store director for group 1 took part in the walk on Wednesday, October 1, along with two operations support managers.

George described how he will help anyone he works with who needs assistance.

“Mental health is a tricky one,” he said. “You have colleagues who will happily speak to you about their troubles, however, more often than not, the ones who truly need your help are the ones who don’t ask for it or mask it with a smile.

“Getting to know your team as well as you can and offering support is the best way to deal with people who won’t speak first. I will always make time for anyone.”

George pointed out that suicide is more common now than ever before and can affect anyone at any time.

He said: “The fact that it has taken the life of a true gentleman and colleague is truly heart-breaking. Hopefully we can reduce suicides to zero.

”Thank you to everyone who helped with the fundraising efforts including those who took part in this very worthy cause.”

SAMH provide mental health social care support, addictions and employment services. Together with suicide prevention, physical activity and sport, these services inform SAMH’s policy and campaign work to influence positive social change.

For more information visit https://www.samh.org.uk/