A COWBOY saved by a mental health unit in Worcester has finally been able to give back to those who helped him.

Richard Skinner, from Worcester and a member of Cotswold Cowboys, was over the moon to hand over a cheque to the Elgar Unit in Newtown Road after the support it gave him with depression.

It was around four years ago when Mr Skinner entered the Elgar Unit after losing his father, job and home in close succession.

He said the team had completely transformed his life in just two weeks and made him feel the best he had been in over twenty years. 

"I was suffering depression for 20 years and did not want to seem weak - I did not know what to do," he said.

"Then, in one swoop, I lost my father, then the farm (I worked on) closed and then after losing the farm, I lost my house. 

"I do not know where I would be without them."

He said the Elgar Unit supported him and placed him on medication which helped improve his mental health.

"I now feel on top of the world, really good, and I am enjoying life which I have not done since I was 18 years old," he added. 

"I go to work happy and I come home happy."

Mr Skinner is a member of the Cotswold Cowboys, a group of friends and family, which has been hosting fast-draw competitions to raise money for the suit.

In total, £361 was raised by the group that handed the team the cheque on Wednesday (August 23).

A fast draw is when two cowboys stand off with their guns pointing down at the hip.

The quickest person to pull out their gun wins.

Mr Skinner added: "It makes me feel really good that people trust me and I feel on top of the world.

"Some people may not think it is a lot raised, but I had only set out to raise £50.

"I think it is amazing."

Cotswold Cowboys charged £1 entry to their fast draws with all the proceeds going towards the Elgar Unit.