It’s the second year in a row that Kyle Paton has taken on the knackering bid – all to spread the word about men’s mental health and raise money for related causes.
Super-fit Fallin teenager Kyle Paton is spreading the message about men’s mental health by putting in the miles around Stirling for the second straight year.
The 19-year-old is already well through a gruelling fundraising effort where he is running a five-kilometre run every day for 75 days to support the Andy’s Man Club charity, which supports men by coordinating weekly peer-to-peer support groups and cutting down on isolation.
It’s a repeat from Kyle on the first attempt at his 75-day challenge after raising more than £1,000 for the Brothers in Arms charity last year.
The apprentice roofer can often be seen pounding the pavements around Fallin, as well as routes all over Stirling and even out to the Kelpies near Falkirk.
On his JustGiving support page, Kyle writes: “Mental health struggles aren’t always visible. Many people carry things quietly and never reach out for help.
“This event is about awareness, consistency, and showing up for people close to us and for people we may never meet.
“Over 75 consecutive days starting on April 14, I’ll be completing a run each day to help raise awareness around mental health and the importance of support, conversation, and checking in on one another.
“I did the same last year and learned how much having the right people around you can help. Support matters. Presence matters. Reaching out matters.
“The dates mirror the same timeframe as last year, as a reminder that mental health awareness isn’t a one-off conversation it’s something that needs consistency.
“If you’re struggling, please reach out to someone you trust. And if you’re not, be the person who checks in.”
Speaking to the Observer, Kyle continued: “I’ve had my own personal struggles growing up, so I understand how hard things can be. Sometimes it can feel isolating, like you stand out in a negative way.
“I wanted to do something to raise awareness and show support for others going through similar situations.
“I chose Andy’s Man Club because they’re a well established organisation that genuinely makes a difference in people’s lives, helping men who are struggling and giving them a place to talk.
“My first run started at the Fallin Miners, and I’m planning for the final run to finish there as well.
“Hopefully I’ll have friends and family there to support me, and anyone who wants to join in for the last run is more than welcome.”
Kyle’s proud aunt, Cherie Stevenson, from Bannockburn, added her own note of support for “model nephew” Kyle’s challenge – which has already raised more than £700 after just two weeks.
Cherie said: “I could get emotional about what he is doing; I’m just really proud of him and thinking of other people’s mental health.
“He has a great circle of friends who have been so supportive and have been joining him out there for runs and keeping him company.
“He puts his routes on Strava and posts on social media to allow people to keep track of what he’s up to and he’s really got the bug for running now.”
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