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WATCH: Speedo Mick's final stomp hits Wick after leaving John O'Groats – and he's on his way to Ross-shire


By David G Scott

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Exactly three years ago, a near naked charity walker dropped by our Wick office on a John O'Groats to Land's End (Jogle) journey – now Speedo Mick is doing it all again one last time.

Speedo Mick (Michael Cullen) set off from John O'Groats this morning and has walked the 17 miles to Wick where he will stay tonight.

Speedo Mick pictured in December 2019 as he made his way through Wick on another fundraising walk across the UK. Pictures: DGS
Speedo Mick pictured in December 2019 as he made his way through Wick on another fundraising walk across the UK. Pictures: DGS

In eight years, the 58-year-old has raised more than £800K for charity and hopes to bring that up to £1M after he finishes his latest 1000-mile trek across the UK. Mick travels light while on his walk and, apart from a hat and boots, wears a pair of bright blue Speedos emblazoned with the name of his beloved football team, Everton.

Everton football supporters know all about the antics of Speedo Mick, who turns up at matches in his trunks and raises thousands of pounds for charity.

He tweeted a message before setting off from John O'Groats this morning that read: "Getting ready to go live on national tele in me knickers before starting me final stomp! Please help by donating here https://gofund.me/e6c6d6f3⁠"

Michael Cullen, aka Speedo Mick, said that he is raising money towards mental health charities and was a homeless drug and alcohol user at one point in his life. Picture: DGS
Michael Cullen, aka Speedo Mick, said that he is raising money towards mental health charities and was a homeless drug and alcohol user at one point in his life. Picture: DGS

RELATED: Ross cafe customers warm heart of charity walker

His winter walk is in support of mental health and suicide prevention charities and Mick previously told the paper that he was a homeless drug and alcohol user at one point in his life. He said that he hasn't touched drink or drugs for over 20 years but at one stage felt he "never had a chance or hope" of sorting his life out.

"I've actually turned my life around completely now. There is always hope in the darkest of places," he said.

Mick pictured in the former Groat office in Wick three years ago. Pictures: DGS
Mick pictured in the former Groat office in Wick three years ago. Pictures: DGS

On his GoFundMe page, Mick says this will be his "final stomp" and he will be hanging up his "blue knickers for ever more".

"I have spent seven years tirelessly fundraising for charity and im a bit knackered now and i also want to spend more time with my loved ones as we don't have them forever do we."

Speedo Mick ready to set off from John O'Groats on his charity walk. Picture: Andrew Mowat
Speedo Mick ready to set off from John O'Groats on his charity walk. Picture: Andrew Mowat

Donations will go to the Speedomick Foundation which will support various mental health initiatives. He says: "It will be a dream come true for me to be able to give back to my community and support people who are suffering from mental health [issues]."

Planned stopping Ross-shire stopping off points include Tain, Skiach Service Station and North Kessock although his schedule is subject to changes.

You can donate to Mick's fundraiser at: www.gofundme.com/f/the-final-stomp

The Speedomick Foundation will also be gifting grants to small grassroots charities that support mental health projects, disadvantaged young people and homelessness.


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