Scottish 10k For Mental Health

My name is Jack Cowan and on Sunday the 23rd of September 2018 i will be running in the Scottish 10k.I am running on behalf of the Mental Health Foundation.Mental Health is a serious issue that has in my opinion gained much needed attention over the last year. Mental Health is something that has affected everyone at one stage in their life and for others troubles them throughout there whole life, mental health is not something that simply just goes away, atleast not without a fight.In Scotland alone Mental Health affects 1 in 3 people a year and people with Mental Health tend to die 20 years younger than their peers, it is not a case of simply 'manning up' or 'getting over it' and to some it is not a case of 'i understand what your going through' because you won't be able to. In 2016, there were 728 registered suicides and there is reported to be two suicides a day contributed to Mental Health this is two too many. In a UK scale the leading cause of death bewteen men between 20-49 is by suicide.Mental Health has affected me personally in a major way, i have had a family member take his own life due to Mental Health and loved ones who continue to struggle day to day with Mental Health. On December 3rd 2017, i lost one of my best mates, Rory McKelvie. Rory was one of the best guys i have ever met, always smiling, always there if you needed him and always up for a good time. To the ordinary person who was meeting Rory for the first time you would think you were talking to a man who had the meaning of life and happiness figured out to a tee, however Mental Health has no motive and no particular target, like i said at the start it affects everyone. I remember my last conversation with Rory, he had tried to take his own life and the relief i felt when i heard he was unsuccessful couldnt be put into words. I told him whatever he needed me to do i would be there for him whether it be going to the doctors with him or simply being there for him, i would of gave everything i could have to help him get through the tough time he was going through. The last message i recieved from Rory summed him up in typical Rory fashion, a man that no matter how bad it got he would look on the bright side and try not to worry anyone around him. He said 'its alright bro i'll be fine, dont worry about me' a week later he had passed. In the most cruel manner, Rorys death is unexplained, he didnt take his own life, he was on the up and had a new job to show for this, Rory passed away when he did not want to and when he had got the upper hand on his Mental Health. The impact however, that Mental Health had on Rory can not be overlooked and i will make sure its not overlooked. Mental Health is real. The importance of having a good supportive family and friends along with boyfriend and girlfriend could be the difference between someone taking their own life and someone deciding to live their life. Something as small as telling someone it will be okay or doing a kind act for someone who is struggling can help save a life. Rory McKelvie is a man whose memory i will remember for the rest of my life, a friend i will never forget and a brother who will Live Forever in my heart. ❤️On September 23rd 2018 i will be doing a small act towards a big cause, any donations to support the amazing Mental Health Foundation would be greatly appreciated.#ItsTimeToTalk #ItsOkayNotToBeOkay