Hamish McMenemy scaling North Berwick Law for charity

Hamish McMenemy, 10, who has ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), is taking on the challenge to raise money for CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services).

Hamish, of Lady Jane Road, got the idea when he climbed the Law with his friends, and told his mum Jane he wanted to climb it for charity.

Jane said: “He was wanting to do something for charity; we mentioned CAMHS and he said: ‘Let’s do something for that.’”

He and friends from his primary six class will now challenge themselves to climb the Law every day in March to raise as much cash as possible.

Hamish McMenemy (second from right navy jacket) and friends ready to tackle the Law

CAMHS is an NHS-run service that helps treat young people with a variety of challenges.

Mental health treatment has suffered during the pandemic and many children have struggled to be referred and diagnosed, said Hamish’s mum.

Jane said: “It was an absolute fight to get a referral for Hamish, as it is for everybody. I have spoken to so many parents who have kids and such a massive backlog of waiting to be seen.

“Hamish was diagnosed the day before lockdown, in March 2020, so we were lucky to have got through that.”

Many children in the county remain undiagnosed and unable to receive treatment as a result of the added strain on the NHS caused by Covid, Jane added.

Tracey McKigen, services director of Royal Edinburgh and Associated Services for NHS Lothian, said: “We’re very grateful that Hamish has chosen CAMHS.

“We’ll ensure the money he raises contributes to supporting children and young people, and their families, and we wish him the absolute best of luck.”

A JustGiving page for donations to Hamish is due to be set up.