Teacher gets pedaling to beat panic attcks

A Kilbirnie man has set himself a major cycling challenge as he raises awareness for mental health charity, SAMH.

William Taylor will get on his bike from Moscow to California but the trip will take him just under five hours. He's cycling from Moscow in East Ayrshire to California in Falkirk, a total of around 50 miles.

The 30 year-old is hoping to help others battling mental illness after his own experience with panic attacks.

He says, "Back in 2012, I suffered my first panic attack and that began a viscous cycle that really robbed me of some of the best years of my life. It captures all of your creative intellect and turns it against yourself.

"It's a really terrible state of mind to be in. All these what if questions. I was too afraid to go out and too afraid to live my life. It was just a massive restriction on everything I ever enjoyed and everyone around me noticed this change in my personality.

"This is a big deal for me. I'll be honest I've never done anything like this but we need to be taking this kind of action to raise awareness.

"I do believe that catching mental illness early is very important. I think it's around 50% of cases start before the age of 14."

Now a school teacher, William has decided to show others struggling there is light at the end of the tunnel with his cycling challenge.

You can read more about this on his Facebook page.

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