Dental trio runs the length of Scotland to raise money for charity

Sample News Big

A dental trio has successfully completed a gruelling charity challenge after running the length of Scotland.

Stuart Campbell and Ryan Stewart, from Loanhead Dental Practice and Paddy Watson, who is based in Edinburgh, covered 420 miles, running from John O’Groats to Gretna Green. The team completed the route in 11 days, with the shortest daily distance equivalent to a marathon and the longest day a 40-mile run.

The ambitious dentists originally set a fundraising target of £5,000 for SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) but donations came flying in, and the total was more than double the target by the time the runners crossed the finish line.

Stuart said that he had been inspired to do the challenge during lockdown. As enthusiastic runners with experience of doing marathons, the dentists started to push themselves, taking on longer runs because they had more time during lockdown when practices were closed.

Although the team had experience of completing marathons and ultra-marathons, the duration of the challenge was a struggle. Running long distances for 11 consecutive days was incredibly tough, Stuart admitted, but crossing the line felt amazing.

Friends, family, colleagues and patients got behind the team and everyone has been hugely supportive, as well as generous, with money pouring in for the cause.

During the first lockdown, the spotlight was on mental health in the news, and the dentists wanted to support a cause that would make a difference to people who were struggling at the time.

The charity provides support for those who are finding life tough and those who have been diagnosed with mental health conditions, providing practical advice, guidance and tips to help people cope during difficult times.

The current fundraising total is over £12,000.

Anyone who wishes to donate is encouraged to visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/runningscotland2021.

For more news click here.

Join this Discussion

Comments are closed.