A runner who is aiming to become the fastest woman to run the coastline of Britain reached Edinburgh. Megan Boxall is raising funds for Samaritans, a charity ‘close to her heart’.
She’s been running a marathon almost every day since setting off from Suffolk on October 18. Megan reached Edinburgh on April 11, and is now on the home straight as she heads back down the east coast.
She’s hoping to have the challenge completed by May 18, and would be the fastest woman to do so. In 2024, Megan was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
She faced struggles with her mental health, and made five calls to Samaritans who helped her through some difficult moments. Now, she’s opening up the conversation around mental health and has managed to raise £30,000 for the charity.
Megan spoke about how important it was for her to have the live-saving opportunity to talk to a Samaritan about how she felt. She said: “Every 90 minutes someone dies by suicide in the UK.
Megan Boxall
“Samaritans is an amazing charity which is helping to prevent that number from becoming much higher. Its volunteers pick up the phone to someone in need once every ten seconds. In 2024, I made five calls to the charity (116 123).
“Their volunteers were there for me when the pain in my brain was so intense I couldn’t pick myself up off the floor. I only wish I had picked up the phone to them sooner.”
Megan’s uncle walked the route when he was 33, after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. While in Scotland, Megan said the locals have been cheering her on.
She added: “I have really had some amazing experiences in Scotland so far. Overall, I have been blown away by the Scottish welcome. It really has been so uplifting and what Run Britain is all about.
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“I hope that by talking more about my experiences with Samaritans and raising some money while I circle the country, I can help anyone who might be struggling.”
Running groups and clubs are invited to join Megan on sections of her journey and can sign-up here. You can donate to Megan’s fundraiser through her JustGiving page.