Lanarkshire man wanting to get fit completes 5k a day challenge for charity
A Lanarkshire man is putting his feet up after completing a '5k a day' for a year challenge for a worthy cause.
Jason Henry, who lives in Cambuslang, last year decided to take on the challenge to get fit, set himself a mental and physical goal and raise money for Strathcarron Hospice and the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) in the process.
He has raised £900 for the hospice and £900 for SAMH so far with more donations coming in.
READ MORE: 'I had my moles checked for cancer and this is what happened'
READ MORE: Glasgow's best bars and pubs as chosen by the city's bartenders for top awards
Jason said: "I have taken part in marathons and half marathons before in aid of Strathcarron a few years ago and wanted to take on something to mentally and physically challenge me across the year to get back into it.
"It was a big sacrifice at times trying to fit it in around work and the kids but I wanted to help the Hospice. I grew up in Cumbernauld and we all know someone who has needed the amazing support of Strathcarron at some point.
"After the first week in January I started to regret the decision as it was so cold and wet and I was in pain as I hurt my knee. I was in constant discomfort and faced a battle in my head to keep going. I had to keep focussing on why I was doing it and all the people I would help. I didn’t want to let anyone down."
Jason joined a couple of running clubs mid-way through 2024 to help boost his motivation and he joined in his local Park Runs, eventually wearing out three pairs of trainers across the year with his efforts.
He added: "It was good motivation when people joined me on runs across the year. One of my highlights was when my seven-year-old twins joined alongside me on their bikes in the summer – I treated them to an ice cream at the end.
"Another great moment was being invited to be a pacer for the Great Scottish Run. It was a really great moment to be selected and help other runners.
“The support of people’s donations has been amazing – even people I don’t know from the Park Run groups have donated which was really kind of them. Strathcarron is a really special place so I am pleased to have been able to do something to help."
Find out more about Jason's challenge, or donate to the cause here.
Join Glasgow Live's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Sign up to our daily Glasgow Live newsletter here to receive news and features direct to your inbox