Big-hearted dad has eyes on the thighs
A former professional wrestler has challenged himself to do 2800 squats to help improve mental health among young people.
Christopher McPhillips is undertaking the gruelling squat challenge to raise £2800 for SMILE Counselling.
He kicked off his challenge on January 14 and has just 400 left to go.
SMILE Counselling’s aim is to support young people aged between 11 and 24 years of age in the West Lothian area with their mental health and wellbeing.
Christopher, who stays in Bathgate with wife Electra and two-year-old daughter Grace, said he became aware of Smile Counselling through his work with the Reconnect Regal Theatre in Bathgate last year as their head of marketing and communications.
The Regal, along with Root Theatre and SMILE Counselling, ran a pilot project to deliver workshops that explored drama, storytelling, online safety and mental health at St Mary’s Primary and Balbardie Primary in Bathgate.
He told the Courier: “This was my first in-depth exposure to SMILE Counselling as they consulted on some of the workshop content and this opened my eyes to how important their work is, which is ultimately the reason I wanted to do a fundraiser for them this year.
“In a report last August it was established that one in six children are affected by mental health problems. When I say mental health problems, I mean depression, anxiety and conduct disorder, a type of behavioural problem.
“What shocks me more is that around 75 per cent of children and young people who experience a mental health problem do not get the help they need.”
Christopher was a professional wrestler between 2002 and 2015, performing as Aaron Jeremi before his final match at the Regal Theatre in November 2015.
Now, as a performer, he spends more time in TV and film as an actor and recently as a producer.
He continued: “I can’t remember the last time since retiring from professional wrestling that I did more than 10 squats in a row so this will not be an easy challenge for me.
“This challenge might just be the general fitness kickstart that I need to stay in shape for another reason – running around after my daughter. Her energy levels and character are bigger than all my childhood and adulthood wrestling favourites combined.”
Christopher said he knows his efforts will be worth it, saying £450 in donations ensures all IT, phones, tablets, and remote digital devices are in full service for supporting clients in all locations in West Lothian, £250 covers utilities for one month to provide a safe and warm environment for clients and £150 provides monthly supervision for counsellors, ensuring best practice.
SMILE Counselling supports young people aged between 11 and 24 in West Lothian with their mental health and wellbeing.
The charity offers free, open-ended counselling from its office at Fairbairn House in Livingston, providing a safe and non-judgmental space to talk openly about thoughts and feelings.
To donate visit https:// www.facebook.com/ donate/235464145302062