Fundraiser To Run, Row And Cycle 705 Miles For Mental Health Charities

A fundraiser is raising money to support mental health charities which help both veterans and civilians.

Rory McAusland is going to run, row, cycle and walk a mile for every person lost to suicide in 2018 in Scotland, for a total of around 705 miles.

Mr McAusland said: "Last year I was struggling quite badly, and that was the reason that I decided to take on the challenge in the first place.

"I probably wouldn't be here if it wasn't for some of the people in my life and for some of the people who looked out for me.

"I am trying to let people know that it is ok, and that you need to be there for each other."

He also launched an online challenge to raise awareness of the risk of suicide among former service personnel.

'Calories for Casualties' sees participants burn 71 calories, the same number of veterans and active military personnel who took their own life in 2018, through any kind of exercise.

They then need to nominate five friends to do the same. 

Many celebrities and service personnel have taken part, including Rick Stevens, a contestant from 'SAS: Are You Tough Enough', Olympian and Army officer Heather Stanning and soldiers from 2 and 5 SCOTS take part.

Mr McAusland has had first-hand experience of the help The Samaritans can offer after dealing with his own mental health issues.

He decided to include Combat Stress in his fundraising after speaking to friends in the Army and finding out how those who have served can struggle.

He says the whole concept of having to "man up" is "just rubbish, basically":

"I think the more time we spend talking about what's going on in our head and the more time that we spend being vulnerable, we allow other people to be vulnerable and we can ultimately save and change people's lives."

Mr McAusland has raised more than £3,000 for mental health causes so far, but he hopes to raise more than £40,000.

Helping them reach out and offer the vital support that saves the lives of hundreds every year.