A mental health charity which serves men from Clydebank and north-west Glasgow has grown by 600 per cent since March thanks to the generous hillwalking antics of a local football club.

The charity’s growth coincides with the £3,269 raised after footballers from Dumbarton A.F.C. climbed Ben Lomond twice to recognise the efforts local charity Men Matter make to support men’s mental health.

Players at the club climbed Ben Lomond twice in one day, taking a total of eight hours, in a bid to raise funds which they divided equally between the club and Men Matter.

A JustGiving page was set up for supporters to donate towards the team.

Fraser Devine, a Drumchapel local and co-founder of Men Matter, said: “They money helps provide bus fares, breakfast, leccy if someone is out, hub resources. Lads come here when they are in a crisis and all we want to do is help.

“Lockdown has seen us go from 150 members to 600 plus.”

Michael Dickie, manager at the Accies, said: “The club put it out to the players to decide who we would support. We needed to fundraise for the club but we also wanted to support a community project.

“The boys were keen to support them as they know about the amazing work they do and I know there have been lads at the club who struggled through lockdown and see the benefits this charity can bring.

Michael continued: “When we decided to climb Ben Lomond twice in one day, I wasn’t sure they would actually be so keen when their day came but in honesty, I totally underestimated their enthusiasm as they were right up for it.

“Knowing they were doing it as part of something bigger, the impact the money would have and the sense that they are supporting other men, it really helped motivate them. I know for a certainty there are boys in the team who had a rough time with lockdown.

“I am amazed at the work the lads at Men Matter do and I’m so happy to be able to support them in any small way the club can.”

Despite the hub closing for several weeks during lockdown, Men Matter continued to offer crisis support, food parcels, referrals to other support services and latterly, outdoor sports and activities.