Kyle Bisset had been planning a huge 185-mile trek this summer when the Aberdeen lockdown slammed the door on his dreams.
The Kingswells resident had hoped to make it from Fort William back home by cycling, swimming, kayaking and climbing his way across the nation.
The lifeguard was staging the challenge to give back to the mental health charities that helped him battle depression.
When the local lockdown meant he could not travel even five miles from his home, the 28-year-old had to call his “feel better tour” off.
But instead, he has been reaching his target sum for Mental Health Aberdeen by running, cycling and climbing his way across the city.
As well as offering a much-needed boost to the charity, it has helped Mr Bisset cope with his own struggles.
He said: “It’s got me through some dark days and given me a purpose.
“I work as a lifeguard and have been furloughed, and at some points didn’t even know if I had a job to go back to.
“Keeping moving and exercising really does help.
“There was one day recently that I was feeling really bad.
“It was pouring with rain but I still got my bike out and headed down the Deeside Way.
“It was quiet, really quiet, due to the weather so I just went as fast as I could and splashed through every puddle I could see.
“You sometimes need to roll with the emotions you’re feeling.”
Mr Bisset’s depression emerged after his first year at university.
As he searched for a “reset button” he moved to his father’s home in Pennsylvania.
While he found he simply could not leave his depression behind in Scotland, he did find future wife Vivian.
“I don’t know where I would be, or if I’d be here at all, without her”, he added.
He has thus far raised £7,000 and plans are already in place for a new 185-mile trek.
Last night chief executive of Mental Health Aberdeen, Astrid Whyte, explained the value of Mr Bisset’s support.
Protective screens have been put up in the charity’s headquarters at Alford Place and volunteers and staff are using a blended approach to meet people safely, but also to speak to them over the phone.
Mrs Whyte said: “People like Kyle are a lifeline. What he’s doing is just amazing.
“This was meant to be our 70th year, and we had so many events and little fundraisers planned.
“Everything has been cancelled and, without the support we’ve been lucky to receive, then who knows what situation our services would be in right now.
“We certainly wouldn’t have had enough money to make our building Covid-secure.”
She added: “The pandemic has shown how people can pull together in inspiring and compassionate ways.
“We need to keep that support going – check in with your friends, family and colleagues.
“Say hello to someone on the street, remember to smile and please, please never be scared to speak about how you are feeling.”
To donate, people can go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com and search for Feel Better Tour
