A GOUROCK carer who was left suffering from depression and anxiety is set to lead a mental health march on the Esplanade.

Brave Mark McVey is on the road to recovery and hopes to take others along with him on a 'walk a mile' campaign to raise awareness.

The 45-year-old gave up his job and home to nurse his elderly parents but after they both died he found himself alone and isolated.

Mark, 45, who used to work in a print shop, said: "We want to raise awareness of the stigma people with mental health illnesses face.

"We want to talk about it.

"I cared for my parents for ten years after giving giving up my job and moving back from Glasgow.

"When they both died I found myself all on my own.

"I then realised I was suffering from anxiety and depression.

He is now part of a group who are organising the walk with support from Inverclyde health and social care partnerhsip and the mental health network ACUMEN.

It's hoped the mile long walk along Greenock's most famous street will get people together and encourage them to speak.

It was getting outside in the fresh air and finding other people that sent Mark on his way to recovery.

Now he wants to help do the same for others.

He said: "I am now able to do presentations and speak in a way that I could never do before, even before the anxiety."

Acumen development manager Rachel McLean said: "We have had such a great response to this so far, it is something that people really want to be a part of."

Broomhill Gardens and Community Hub, where the mental health group meet, is owned by Inverclyde Association of Mental Health and run by In-work Enterprises.

They offer training, voluntary and work-related opportunities in catering, office skills, landscaping, ground maintenance and horticulture to people who have experienced mental health issues or long term unemployment.

The Walk a Mile march will take place on Friday March 22 at 11am leaving from the Royal West of Scotland Amateur Boat Club side and finishing at the Pirrie Hall, where there will be speakers and a warm drink waiting.

To sign up contact ACUMEN on 0141 847 8900.