Wigan dad sets up walking group to help men open up about their emotions

Thomas Cottom has in the past struggled with anxiety and has launched “Men Walking Tall” to create a space where men can relax and talk about how they feel.

The father-of-three found that walking and other forms of exercise such as the gym and boxing, was good for his mental health.

He is now hoping to help others by encouraging them to join his walks.

The 29-year-old, from New Springs, who launched the group with friends Dean Roby and Dale Rigby, said: “Men Walking Tall is a positive group that I have founded on Facebook that aims to bring a bit of positivity back to this beautiful borough of Wigan.

“I have created this group to push the motion of men opening and supporting each other through group walks.

“I’ve found that exercise has really helped me in the past as I’ve experienced mental health problems, suffering from anxiety a few years ago.

“I never thought of killing myself but there would be some days where I would just want to get away and be alone.

“I was sent for counselling for 90 days but it was the walking and other exercise that really helped me and I’m a lot better now.

“Hopefully this group is just the start of something big.”

The group’s first walk took place on Sunday and it saw them meet up at the Plantation Gates across from Wigan Infirmary.

Around 20 people took part in what was a gentle walk but Thomas has plans to make things a little more strenuous in the summer.

He will be looking at completing the Three Peaks Challenge, which sees challengers climb the highest mountains of England, Scotland and Wales, within 24 hours to support male mental health charities.

Thomas said: “I want there to be a real positive to this group as there’s a lot of bad press for media outlets at the moment and for social media following Caroline Flack’s sad death.

“I just want people to be nicer and kinder to each other.

“This group is for any men, not just those with mental health problems.

“It will be a walking group to get them more active and fitter but will also be a chance to talk and open up about their emotions, as men don’t always do that like women.

“But there is no pressure to talk and everyone is really nice and we just want it to be a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.”

And Thomas said the group had received lots of positive feedback to date.

He said: “I’ve had lots of people coming forward.

“It’s fantastic all the positive feedback as I never really thought anything would come for it.

“I would encourage anyone who wants to get involved to do so.”

For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page “Men Walking Tall.”