A fundraiser has been praised for “embarking on an extraordinary journey” to support Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) by running over 300km.
Adam Donnelly, from Renfrew, will complete the impressive task of running 10k every single day for 30 days to this Sunday, January 12, to raise vital funds for the organisation and promote positive mental health.
Once complete, the impressive journey will see the young athlete run the equivalent of Paisley to Preston, Lancashire, which is a total of 186 miles.
Showcasing his journey on his popular TikTok platform that has more than 83k followers, the fitness influencer is bringing people along with him every step of the way.
Starting on December 12, Adam has now passed over 200 kilometres and raised over £890 so far. Adam’s goal is to reach £3,000. Explaining his inspiration behind the challenge, he said SAMH has helped him with his own mental health struggles.
He said: “On average, two people in Scotland commit suicide every day and one out of four people have struggled with their mental health. It’s a huge statistic for a country with such a small population like ours.
“I’ve had my own struggles with mental health and anxiety, so I understand how difficult it can be, especially this time of year where peoples feelings match the weather.
“The challenge is aimed at getting people to open up, especially guys, on their mental health. It is often deemed as a weakness and I am trying to use my platform for good and show everyone that it is good to speak.
“I’m trying to raise as much money as I can, but I am not putting too much pressure on it due to the time of year. SAMH do amazing work for people, and they really are a great charity. Raising any amount of money for them would be amazing.”
Jamie McGuire, councillor for Renfrew North and Braehead, lauded Adam’s efforts so far by detailing how impressed he is by the determination to spread the powerful message of good mental health.
Councillor McGuire says that each run Adam does is a reminder to the community that mental health should be spoken of more openly. He said: “One of our community’s own Adam Donnelly has embarked on an extraordinary journey to support SAMH.
“By running every single day, Adam is not only raising vital funds for the organisation but also sparking conversations about the importance of mental health — a cause that affects so many yet is too often overlooked.
“Mental health is as vital as physical health, yet stigma and misunderstanding often prevent people from seeking the support they need.
“SAMH has been at the forefront of breaking down these barriers, offering life-changing support and advocating for better mental health services across Scotland. Adam’s efforts contribute to this mission, providing crucial funds to help SAMH continue its invaluable work.
“I encourage everyone to support Adam’s journey, whether by donating to his campaign or sharing his story to amplify his message.”
To support Adam long on to his online fundraising page at – https://shorturl.at/eLd2q – and to follow his journey, visit AdamDonnellyFitness on TikTok.
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