A WOMAN who tragically lost loved ones to suicide took on a sponsored stair walk to raise money for a mental health charity in memory of them.

Allana Black, who comes from Wemyss Bay, completed the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) 'Stomp' for a cause very close to her heart.

The 28-year-old collected over £700 but says it is just as important to raise awareness.

She hopes that people will become more open to starting a conversation about mental health and to spare a thought for those who may be struggling.

Allana told the Tele: "For most of the lockdown I was on my own and although I'm a happy-go-lucky person even I have struggled.

"I was fortunate enough to be able to visit home and see my family and friends, so I decided to do the challenge.

"It is very easy to get into a rut during these horrible times and I would hate to think there are people out there who might not have anyone that are struggling.

"If we can all just do our bit I really would like to think we can make the world a bit of a better place."

Allana took on the challenge at the stairs at the end of Broomberry Drive in Gourock and was delighted to be joined by best friend Lucia Giuntoli, who she is doing the London Marathon with next year, for the final leg of the 4,200 step challenge.

She said: "When I was joined by Lucia and her mum Caroline my spirits were totally lifted.

"The stair challenge represented the 'ups and downs' of life and it made it obvious that challenges in life are best faced when you've go the support of other people.

"Charities are really struggling at the moment so anything we can do to help them is amazing."

Allana works in Aberdeen in offshore oil and gas recruitment and had former colleagues from all over the world supporting her endeavour - including old team-mates from when she worked in Inverkip's chippy 12 years ago.

She said: "I am really grateful to everyone who has supported me.

"This year has been testing for us all and the last thing anyone needs is someone being so overwhelmed they decide to make a decision that would affect them but also everyone around them.

"Nothing can prepare you for the moment you find out someone you love has taken their own life.

"The work SAMH are doing will hopefully prevent anyone getting to the point where they feel that is the only option."

Allana hopes to reach £1,000 before she closes her fundraising page and you can donate by visiting bit.ly/2GZq91x