Ayrshire College to raise funds for mental health charities across Ayrshire
In collaboration with the Kris Boyd Charity, Ayrshire College is organising its most inspiring mental health awareness event yet.
Organised by HND Fitness, Health, and Exercise students as part of the College’s award-winning #PassingPositivity initiative, the event will take place on 19 May during mental health awareness week and national walking month.
Ayrshire College’s #PassingPositivity mental health initiative has received national recognition and awards for its fundraising efforts and awareness of mental health, particularly the benefits that physical activity can have on a person’s mental health.
The sponsored walk from the College’s Kilwinning Campus to the Kilmarnock Campus has been organised in memory of Adrian ‘Lionheart’ McCallum, a professional wrestler and former Ayrshire College student, who sadly took his own life on 19 June 2019.
The 10-mile walk will raise vital funds for mental health charities; ‘Beautiful Inside and Out’, ‘Megan’s Space’ and ‘The Kris Boyd Charity’, all chosen by Ayrshire College students.
After the tragic suicide of Megan Copeland, age 20, in 2019, her parents Jenny and Rob set up Megan's Space, a local charity which seeks to provide mental wellbeing support to young people up to the age of 25 who are experiencing challenges with their mental health, from anxiety through to suicidal ideation.
To date, the Ayrshire based charity, has helped over 150 young people, providing a vital service and saving lives.
Megan’s mother, Jenny Copland said: “It is both moving and inspiring to have the College walk in support of mental health charities. Raising awareness and encouraging young people to reach out for help and talk about their challenges is so important, Thank you to all involved.”
When thirteen year old Jenna Moriarty, confided in her mum, Pauline, about what had been making her feel so sad, together they made plans on how to improve things for Jenna at school. Tragically, less than 48 hours later, Jenna came home from school and ended her life. Heartbroken mother, Pauline Moriarty founded local charity Beautiful Inside and Out to support bereaved parents and siblings of suicide victims.
Pauline said: “The charity organises counselling, as well as play, drama, music, and art therapy. It is important that the charity funds these sessions so that there is no barrier to anyone receiving support. This is why fund-raising is so crucial and we are extremely grateful to all involved in raising funds through taking part in Walk4Lionheart. This will definitely improve and save lives.”
Set up in 2018, the Kris Boyd Charity aims to educate people on mental health issues, encouraging people to engage with others when they are in need of help.
Former Kilmarnock, Rangers and Scotland striker Kris Boyd said: “The Kris Boyd Charity and I are delighted to be working in partnership with Ayrshire College at the Walk4Lionheart event, and to be raising funds for fantastic local charities.
“The event will bring many people together, and most importantly, will raise awareness of mental health issues and encourage those who may be going through a difficult time to seek the support that is available to them.
"We were actively involved with the planning of the original walk in 2020 prior to lockdown, at which time, the College organised a virtual walk. I am delighted that the walk will now go ahead as initially planned. The Walk4Lionheart is a walk for mental health, it is a walk for life. This will make such a difference to all the participants taking part and everyone associated with all the charities. I would encourage as many people as possible to lend their support to this event”.
The walk begins at 9.30am on 19 May and is open to everyone – from Ayrshire College staff and students to members of the public.
To sign up for the event please click here.
To make a donation click here.
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