Speedo Mick hits Inverness and heads off in search of Nessie as monster 1000-mile 'stomp' continues in bone-chilling conditions
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A HARDY mental health and suicide prevention campaigner stomping from John O'Groats to Land's End in his Speedo swim trunks today admitted that the freezing Highland weather is taking its toll.
But Michael Cullen (57) – better known as Speedo Mick – said the support of by-passers and an unseen online army made him feel as though he had "half a million people walking behind me".
And he again referred to the recent lengthy Kessock Bridge closures as an example of the importance of the mental health campaign he is fronting.
Speaking to camera against a backdrop of Inverness Castle before heading towards Loch Ness, he admitted: "I nearly went home, that's how bad I felt after yesterday's wind."
But thanking people following his epic trek and showing their support with beeps and hellos along the way, he said it was his hope that people would be encouraged to reach out for help when they needed it – as he himself has done down the years.
RELATED: Speedo Mick feeling the love as he stomps on through Highlands
The Everton-supporting Scouser has spoken before of his own struggle and how he managed to turn his own life around after reaching the lowest ebb and said that what now drives him on is a determination to help others in a similar predicament.
Appealing for anyone who can afford to do so to give donations via his GoFundMe page – or to share his story – he stressed this would be his last walk.
He admitted the importance of the support shown by members of the public: "Obviously it's quite painful in that weather...I can't do it without you. I may as well have half a million people walking behind me – that's what it feels like."
Later on approach to Loch Ness he points to the magnificent scenery but admits that the roads "are a bit trick to negotiate but we are doing it safely".
He said of the support in freezing temperatures: "You're basically keeping me alive."
As he continues the drizzly stomp, he says: "Where's Nessie? I bet you I find him..."
