An architect and TV presenter is set to take on a 10K challenge with some unusual footwear.
Danny Campbell, a judge on BBC’s Scotland’s Home of the Year, will run the Glasgow Men’s 10k in a pair of Crocs to raise money and awareness for the Mental Health Foundation.
He is taking on the challenge on Sunday, June 16 in memory of his younger brother Duncan, who died last year after a long illness.
Duncan spoke openly about his mental health through his book The Suicide Notes and a show at the Edinburgh Fringe.
(Image: Supplied)
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Danny, 34, said: “There were days where I was really overwhelmed, anxious, and felt like I was failing at everything – being a dad, running a business, keeping it together.
“My brother was honest about his own struggles, and that has been an inspiration and in many ways, it changed my life.”
Danny hopes his unusual choice of footwear will help break down stigma and encourage men to talk about their mental health.
He said: “Running in Crocs might sound daft, but it’s about showing up exactly as you are and marching to the beat of your own drum.
“That’s what he taught me.”
“If Duncan had decided to end his life, we would have lost those final special years together.
“I’m grateful we had that time.
“And I believe we had that time because he opened up.
“Hopefully by running a very slow 10K in squishy shoes, I can encourage others to share their problems with those close to them.”
The 10K event, which starts at the Riverside Museum and finishes at Glasgow Green, aims to get men of all ages moving and talking – especially about mental health.
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Danny said: “I read all the comments online about my Crocs, and I think it’s a great indicator of why people don’t open up.
“I find the online abuse quite funny, but if you take a step back, it shows that if you do anything remotely different from the norm – people want to knock you down.
“We lose too many good people because they don’t feel they can talk.
“If doing something a bit silly gets even one person to open up, that’s a win.
“An event like this is brilliant because it brings men together and will hopefully help remove the stigma around mental health.
“Maybe it’ll remove the stigma around wearing Crocs too.”
Julie Cameron, associate director for Scotland at the Mental Health Foundation, praised his efforts.
She said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Danny for taking on this challenge, raising both awareness and vital funds for the Mental Health Foundation.
“His message encouraging people, especially men, to talk about their struggles and seek support is more important than ever.