Stuart Potter aims to give something back with Edinburgh to London ride

Published on 18/06/2012 00:00

FORMER Fringe comedian Stuart Potter is setting out on his “biggest journey” this week, cycling from Edinburgh to London to raise awareness of mental illness.

Now a consultant at Edinburgh-based telecoms firm Veecom, Potter will be presenting at four 4Networking business events on his way, to talk about mental health in the workplace and how it can affect business. He also hopes to challenge the stigma of mental illness and raise at least £4,000 for charity Mind.

As well as the 400-mile ride, the title of his adventure perhaps also refers to Potter’s own struggle with depression. He finally sought help after the birth of his daughter.

He said: “Becoming a father changed everything. Every parent knows that the early years with a young baby can be mentally and physically challenging, and the loss of freedom to just escape on my bike – my previous coping mechanism – was very hard for me.

“Ultimately, it was love for my family, and my desire to conquer depression to be a better husband and father, which prompted my first step to seek help.

“It has been an incredible year and the support and help I have received from the professionals and now, through Biggest Journey, from hundreds of well-wishers, has been humbling and very emotional.”

Stuart’s wife Diane is expecting their second child in August.

Raising a glass to liquid inspiration

Scottish national poet Liz Lochhead raised a glass to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) as she launched its centenary celebrations with an ode to the drink.

The Makar drew inspiration from fellow whisky-drinker Robert Burns for her poem, delivered at an industry event in Edinburgh last week.