Glenrothes man running 5k everyday for a month to raise cash for mental health charity

Jack Thomson (19), from Cadham, decided to raise the cash for the charity after it had supported him with anxiety issues.

So far he has raised over £700 with nine days of the challenge remaining.

Jack, a customer service assistant with the Co-op, said: “I wanted to raise money for SAMH as I suffer from anxiety and they have helped me cope with it.

"I started running as a way to cope with my anxiety and thought that it would be a good idea to use my running as a way to raise cash.

"The actual challenge itself was a last minute decision to run five kilometres everyday for a month, and it's proving to be quite tough.

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"The run is not too bad, but it is the motivation to get started that is the hardest part, once I’m out and in the zone the miles just fly by. Sometimes when I’m out running I forget to stop and have to phone my mum to come and pick me up as I’ve been that focused and just kept running!

"I have been quite impressed with myself as I’m beating my own personal best times quite regularly now.”

Jack added that with the ongoing lockdown a lot of people are now suffering from mental health issues.

"Most people are suffering from some sort of mental health issue with being in lockdown,” he adds. “That is why I wanted to raise the money for SAMH because they are a charity that helps people.

"I have suffered from anxiety for most of my life and it helps to talk to someone who is able to give you ways to cope with it.

“Anxiety is not something that you can get used to, and I think that I am quite lucky as I have the support from my mum and grandparents, who have all been amazing.

"Running has been a saviour for me, when I’m running I’m completely focused and the only thing I’m thinking about is beating my best time.”

If you would like to donate to Jack’s fundraiser, please visit: Jack's fundraiser for SAMH

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