Runner’s gruelling 10k-a-day in memory of mum who took her life
A BRAVE runner has set himself a mammoth challenge in memory of his beloved mum after she took her own life.
Hilary Sellar battled to cope after losing husband Robin, 58, to cancer in September 2019 and refused to open up about her struggles to her loved ones.
Tragically, the 57-year-old took her life on January 28 last year leaving behind her devastated family, including son Chris.
The 30-year-old, who lives in Edinburgh, is now halfway through his 10k-a-day challenge over 28 days which he plans to complete on the one-year anniversary of his mum’s suicide to honour her memory.
He has also raised more than £13,000 for two charities – Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide and Back Onside – which are both close to his heart after the events of the past few months.
Chris is urging Scots who are struggling with their mental health to reach out for help in a bid to prevent other families from experiencing the same heartache.
He said: “Running has been a big help to me so I wanted to continue doing it during the month when it’s the anniversary of mum’s death.
“January 28 is a day that we’ve not been looking forward to at all so it’s now about changing the conversation around it and trying to make it something a bit more positive.”
Chris added: “The idea was primarily a way of helping me get through it. Because if you can run for 28 days in a row through a period that is already quite difficult, then you can get through most things in life hopefully.”
To seek help, contact the Samaritans 24/7 free on 116 123 or by visiting Samaritans. org. Help is also available from Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87.