Former Pupil Calum Lavery is preparing to run a marathon with only one month’s training to raise money for the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH), a special cause that he holds close to his heart.
With the Coronavirus pandemic causing a national lockdown, Calum was no longer able to attend the gym and instead, he decided to take up running as an alternative. “At first, I found it a struggle” he said. “I hated being alone with my thoughts and anxieties. To me, it didn’t seem particularly enjoyable. However, the more I persevered with this new pursuit, the more I could see the positive effects it was having on my mental health. I was less irritable, more focused and generally much happier.”
With concerns over the impact of lockdown on people’s mental health following a surge in calls to mental health helplines throughout the pandemic, and as someone who has been personally affected by the impacts of mental health, Calum decided to set himself the “One Month Marathon Challenge” to help make a difference and fundraise for SAMH.
“Mental health is a cause that directly affected me and my family throughout my time at ESMS. I feel that the school and particularly Bryan Lewis went above and beyond for me and my family during this difficult time for us”, said Calum.
Calum has now given himself just one-month to train up to complete the infamous 42km Edinburgh Marathon route, with 16km being the longest distance he has run so far.
He has been training almost daily across Edinburgh in preparation for his goal of running a full marathon on the 15th of August. Calum has also to already raised an incredible £2,485 so far, which will be donated to the Scottish Association for Mental Health’s suicide prevention projects across the country.
“If a couple of constructive conversations about mental health are the only outcomes of this challenge I will be a very happy man,” wrote Calum on his official Just Giving page.
With only 9 days left to go until the main event, please click here if you would like to show Calum your support.
Good luck, Calum, from everyone at ESMS!
