An Ayrshire GP practice manager took on a lung-busting birthday challenge to help support kids struggling with their mental health.
Mum-of-two Lindsay Pattie, from Troon, opted out of the traditional birthday celebrations and instead ran 43 miles around Arran on her 43rd birthday.
The GP practice manager of South Beach Medical Practice in Ardrossan wanted to make a difference after noticing local mental health services for youngsters at ‘crisis point’.
Lindsay, who is also a trained counsellor, decided to clock up the miles in order to give kids the opportunity to access counselling services who have been unable to support local NHS services.
The mum of two boys Ruairidh, 10 and Fergus, 8 admits the daring challenge caught husband Kevin, 54, by surprise.
But she was well backed by best pals Rosie Sugden and Susan Geddes as she set off in wet and windy conditions on Friday, May 6, with her boys joining her at the finish line.
She started her run at Auchrannie and ran a 43 mile loop round the north of the island and over the String Road.
“It was hard,” Lindsay said, “I'd only run 34 miles maximum in training so I didn't know if I would be able to do it — although there was no way I wasn't making it.
“Having Rosie and Susan with me was amazing and lifted me and the thought of seeing my boys at the end drove me on.
“Seeing the boys at the end was incredible. It made it extra special.”
Lindsay felt determined to push herself out of comfort zone and endured a gruelling training schedule including 6am starts at SBF fitness classes in Irvine coupled with extra runs on lunch breaks and days off, during a gruelling nine months training.
The proud mum dedicated the run in memory of her amazing parents, and feels this year marked the perfect opportunity to do something in honour of them and her kids.
Lindsay added: "I always knew 2022 would mark a decade of being a mum and also a decade that I've been without my own mum.
"I just wanted to do something to recognise those 10 years. Being a mum to Ruairdih and Fergus is the most amazing thing ever and I am the mum I am today because of my own mum.
"She was my inspiration and I miss her every day.
“My mum and dad were with me all the way in spirit.
"I'd be out training and see a couple of deer and think 'that's mum and dad looking out for me'. And I would think of them during some of the tough moments on the run.”
Lindsay hopes her incredible efforts will make a difference to other children’s lives after seeing first hand in her role.
An online fundraiser has managed to raise more than £1,600 so far for children who have been unable to secure the help they need from existing services, such as CAMHS, school services and 3 Towns Mental Health Services - which serves the communities of Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston.
Lindsay hopes the funds raised can help children receive essential counselling sessions with on average 8 sessions required and each appointment costing £45.
She added: “I manage a GP surgery and have found that a growing number of our patients are contacting us on a daily basis for mental health reasons, but with mental health services in our area at crisis point, our GPs have nowhere to refer these patients to other than onto a waiting list over two years long.”
You can still donate to Lindsay's fundraiser here.
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