Mental health is often an issue skirted over, but Stirling couple Kirsten Reilly and Lewis Taylor are challenging this by walking and running in support of Mind.

Mind is a charity that provides support to help those experiencing mental health problems, with the aim of not stopping until everyone experiencing these issues gets support and respect.

Kirsten, 22, is originally from Sheffield but moved to Stirling with Lewis seven months ago.

From the age of 14, Kirsten struggled with depression and anxiety, and the support she needed was hard to find.

Kirsten said: "These services are so underfunded I didn’t get any sort of help until the age of 17; and even then I was on a two year waiting list to see a counsellor and an even longer list to see a CBT therapist.

"Fortunately my parents could afford to pay for the £20-60 per hour sessions to go privately, however I know for so many people this just isn’t feasible."

Lewis, 23, has never experienced these issues personally, but knows of those around him that do.

He said: "I know from Kirsten's story, and others like it, that it is incredibly hard to tackle and deal with.

"Imagine waking up every day with the flu and having to go into work and go about your everyday activities like normal. You cannot function properly.

"The main issue I see is that people who don't suffer don't talk about it because of the stigma attached and the harsh reality of the illness.

"If people who don't suffer can't talk openly then this isolates people who do suffer, and who in turn are unable to voice their suffering."

Kirsten and Lewis will be running and walking 106km for the charity around the Isle of Wight on April 30 and May 1.

They have already passed their halfway fundraising point at £1000 and are appealing to the public to continue to support them by donating to their Just Giving page, justgiving.com/TheSassenachs

Kirsten said: "I want to support Mind as I don’t want other people going through similar things to have to suffer in silence, with the stigma of a mental illness and the feeling of abandonment by the health services.

"This is an invisible illness and it is too often pushed to the side to make room for the higher profile, visible illnesses."

Lewis added: “It’s about raising awareness for the charity as it is so under supported, this is something close to us both.

"Talk, take away the stigma, and anyone who is affected by mental health issues will feel more confident about opening up, getting the help they need, and sharing their experience.”