Aodan Donnelly, a trainee accountant from Edinburgh, will run 10 miles every day this month to raise money for the mental health charity SANE. The 24-year-old will cover 210km in total in August, which is equivalent to seven marathons!
The Morgan Stanley employee aims to highlight mental health among young people, after reading an increasing number of tragic stories in the media of lives lost. Earlier this year, a Glasgow University study found that 11% of young people in Scotland had attempted suicide.
Aodan said: “From reading things recently on social media, and having my eyes opened to unfortunate situations more, I have realised how much of an issue mental health is today, especially in young people.
“Although I feel talking about these issues has come on a lot, I still feel a lot more has to be done. I also feel a lot of the out pour on the issue and people showing concerns only happens after a tragedy rather than speaking about the issue in general.
“Educating people on the issue has to become normal and not a taboo, so that we can stop a tragedy from happening.”
Aodan Donnelly started his challenge on 1st August and is collecting donations on his Just Giving page.
He added: “Although nothing like having mental issues, it is a challenge that is difficult physically and mentally, it must fit into my normal routine and I must do it every day regardless.”
Simone Moraes, community and events office at SANE, said: “We are extremely grateful that Aodan is taking on this challenge throughout August for SANE, as the money raised will help us support more people affected by mental illness.”
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