An Edinburgh man is taking on an 86-kilometre challenge in memory of his best friend who tragically died by suicide last year.

Thomas Robertson, 20, is set to run from the University of St. Andrews to the school they both attended, Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, on Sunday, July 6 to raise vital funds for Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH).

He has already raised an incredible £20,000 ahead of the challenge, which will be donated in honour of Finlay MacDonald.

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Thomas said: “Finlay was an amazing friend to me. He was caring, loving, selfless, and all his priority was that everyone around him was okay.

“His passing was a massive shock and left me questioning why such terrible things happen to the best of people. It made me realise just how important mental health is and how much more needs to be done to support it.

“I wanted to start my run at Finlay’s university in St Andrews, before finishing at our school in Edinburgh where we were classmates.”

The money that Thomas raises from this epic challenge, which is longer than two back-to-back marathons, will go towards funding SAMH’s Peer Supporter programme.

This programme sets out to increase the mental health knowledge and skills of young people, parents and carers, volunteers and staff through free workshops and information sessions in schools.

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He added: “I wanted something that was going to resonate with Finlay, who struggled with mental health during school. SAMH’s programme creates a really warm, safe environment where kids can just talk about mental health mental and help remove the stigma.”

Catriona Wilson, Mass Participation Events Manager at SAMH, said: “We’re honoured that Thomas has chosen to support SAMH with this incredible challenge.

“Our Peer Supporter programme has helped over 10,000 people in South Lanarkshire alone, and with the help of Thomas and everyone who has donated so far, at least 12 additional schools in Edinburgh will now benefit.

“By sharing his story, Thomas has also helped reduce the stigma around suicide and mental health. We can’t wait to join his friends and family as we celebrate with him at the finish line on Sunday.”

Thomas’s challenge will finish at Merchiston Castle School with a lap of the school’s cross country course and anyone wishing to join him on his run is welcome to at any time.

Rev. Nick Blair, Chaplain at the school, said: “Community defines Merchiston. A year ago, we mourned with the MacDonald family after losing their beloved Finlay. Today, we unite again, supporting his close friend Thomas, whose fundraising effort in Finlay’s memory is deeply moving.

“The solidarity from old boys, parents, staff and pupils shows who we are: a community that stands together. It’s also a moment to stress that young men must never feel ashamed to discuss their mental health.

“Breaking silence saves lives. Today, we run with Thomas and raise our voices with SAMH, honouring Finlay and supporting vital mental health work.”

As well as raising funds, Thomas is also encouraging those suffering from mental health problems to ask for help. He added: “Reach out and ask for help. What I would look at as a strong man is someone who looks for help when they’re struggling.”

You can donate to his fundraiser here.

For more information or support on the issues discussed in this article, visit samh.org.uk

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