Last year, our family was rocked by the loss of my cousin Julie's husband, Colin Mclean. Warm, caring and a father of three, he is dearly missed by those whose lives he touched. 

Prior to his death, Colin had set out to run fifty miles in October in support of prostate cancer. He left us with but five miles left to run. 

In his memory, I have chosen to run 5 marathons on 5 consecutive days in 5 of Britain’s national parks, working my way through Wales and England before ending in his hometown of Dunoon, Scotland on June 4th - on what would be his 40th birthday - surrounded by family and friends. In so doing, I hope to finish those final steps for him.

Amid a pandemic that has denied us all so much, it seems fitting to mark the life of someone who brought joy to so many, surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery Britain has to offer. 

Not one to set New Year’s resolutions, this year feels different. I hope to judge less and listen a whole lot more. One can never know the battles a person faces until you walk a mile - or run 130 - in their shoes, and I’m proud to support the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) in their efforts to raise awareness of mental health issues in Scotland, and provide a helping hand to those most in need of our support.

Feel free to join along the way and please donate here. Any money you can spare will be massively appreciated - a little really does go along way!