Tackling Kilimanjaro for depression charity

Gary Tosh has been taking part in charity treks now for the past ten years.

Many would say he’s a glutton for punishment having already completed a similar charity expedition to Kilimanjaro a few years back.

This time around Gary will be joined by pal Chris Nicholl and the intrepid pair will be raising money for Aware Defeat Depression, a charity that lies very close to Gary’s heart.

Suffering from depression on and off over the past three years, Gary hopes to highlight the work of the charity and that people take on board his motto in life ‘Don’t Suffer in Silence’.

“Depression affects so many people. I think the figure here in Northern Ireland is one in four, “ told Gary.

“I felt that by doing the trek for Aware Defeat Depression that I would encourage others to seek help and not suffer in silence, as I did for so many years.

“As a man I know that other men don’t like going to the doctors or talking to others, but I have been attending a church group with other men who have various health problems not just depression and believe me it has really helped.

“Depression is a terrible illness, it not only affects the person, but their whole family.”

During the gruelling six day trek the pair will walk on average nine hours every day.

He and Chris have already raised money for the trek through a coffee morning at Coleraine Christian Centre, a quiz night in the Atlantic Bar and a bag pack at ASDA.

The pair would like to thank everyone who has donated so far, they also wish to thank their families for their continued support.

REPORT: Nichola Forgrave.