Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Friends go extra mile for charity
Marathon challenge helps raise cash for SAMH
Three inspiring Airdrie friends put their best feet forward to conquer a gruelling two-day marathon challenge for charity.
Arran Heath, 19, and brother Lewis, 26, from Clarkston, and their 19-yearold friend Adam Shaw completed an impressive two marathons in 48 hours in aid of the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).
Arran and Lewis embarked on their fundraising feat to encourage people to speak out about their mental health during the coronavirus pandemic – and successfully raised four times their original target.
Arran told the Advertiser: “A lot of people have talked about their struggles during the pandemic.
“A few of my friends have spoken to me about it.”
Fitness fan Arran, who is studying a BA in psychology and sport at Strathclyde University, and Lewis, a firefighter in the RAF, were joined by their pal Adam after the half marathon the brothers were due to take part in was cancelled. The terrific trio donned their trainers and SAMH t-shirts, which had kindly been donated by the charity.
Arran explained: “We were supposed to be doing a half marathon, but due to Covid it was cancelled.
“We decided to do the David Goggins 4x4x48 challenge for SAMH because he is somebody that we look up to.
“I emailed the charity initially, asking them if there were any t-shirts that we could wear for the challenge, and they sent them to us for free.”
The challenge consists of running four miles every four hours for 48 hours.
But, not content with that, the Monklands friends added an extra four hours and went on to complete an amazing two marathons, raising a fantastic four-figure sum for the charity.
Arran said: “I have always liked exercising, but just recently in lockdown we got into running.
“However, we have done a few marathons before.
“My brother had a groin injury and had only run 15 miles beforehand, but he was surprised by how well he had done.”
Proud Arran added: “He found it really tough but he was able do it without having to stop.”
And Arran, who runs three or four times a week, confessed that the training challenged them, both mentally and physically.
He explained: “We have been going out on runs, but it was hard to train for because it was every four hours.
“It was more of a mental challenge, rather than a physical one. Although, I’m not underestimating the physical side of it.”
The former St Margaret’s High pupils were “overwhelmed” after their fundraising total exceeded £2000, thanks to the generosity of their kind friends, family and lots of well-wishers who donated.
Lewis enthused: “We were overwhelmed by the support and generosity of our friends and family.
“We started off with a target of £500 and managed to raise over four times that, which was beyond our expectations so it was really motivating for us, especially on the latter stages of the challenge. It helped to spur us on.
“And we’re delighted to be able to contribute towards raising awareness and funds that will help a great charity like SAMH fight the ever-growing challenge which mental health in today’s society is proving to be.”
We’re delighted to be able to contribute towards raising awareness and funds that will help a great charity like SAMH