Abbie’s 5k runs raise almost £2k

An inspirational teenager from Quarter has raised nearly £2000 in memory of a friend.

Abbie Neely, 17, took on the mighty challenge of running 5km every day for 20 days to raise vital funds for the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).

The emotional tribute is dedicated to a friend who tragically died two years ago.

Admittedly for Abbie, her mission became strenuous and took its toll, but thanks to the immense support from her community she was kept motivated as neighbours came to their doors to applaud her efforts.

The teen said: “I saw the 5km challenge online and even though I could barely do it once, I thought I would challenge myself to see if I could do it for 20 days. It was plasters galore, my legs were dead but we got there. The support from everyone has been amazing, even just running by my neighbours and seeing them cheer or give me a thumbs-up was brilliant.”

The tragedy made a massive impact on Abbie’s life and inspired her to help others.

She added: “It was very scary, I remember being told in school, we were just in total shock. I will never forget that time in my life. It changed me as a person. It made me learn not to take anything for granted.”

The fundraiser has brought in over £1700 for SAMH, with the community rallying round, and even neighbours dropping by Abbie’s house with donations.

Abbie said: “Neighbours I hadn’t even spoken to before were coming to the door and dropping off money and giving me a wee ‘well done’ which was so encouraging.”

You can donate to Abbie’s fundraiser at www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ abbie-neely3