Clydebank dad takes on 12 marathons in 12 days in memory of brother who took his own life

A dad of three aims to complete 12 marathons in 12 days in memory of his brother, who took his own life.

Shaun Ennis from Clydebank departed from the Titan Crane on Monday, beginning a 314-mile journey across Scotland, which will end in Glasgow on November 6.

The businessman is embarking on the challenge in memory of his brother, Christopher, who died by suicide three years ago, aged 35, following a mental health crisis.

The part-time endurance runner has chosen to raise funds for the mental health charity SAMH in Christopher’s memory, and hopes he can encourage more men to speak openly about their mental health and seek support.

An engineer who worked in Glasgow, Christopher was well known alongside Shaun on the city’s boxing scene, where the brothers organised matches and charity fundraisers together.

Shaun says the grief of losing his brother has never left him and hopes his latest challenge will help make a difference to others experiencing poor mental health.

He said: “I’m absolutely raring to go. I’ve put so much into preparing for this and now it’s time to get out there and do it. I’m pushing myself well outside my comfort zone, but it doesn’t faze me. I know exactly why I’m doing this.

“He’ll be on my mind every step of the way. Christopher suffered terribly with his mental health and I wish things could have been different for him.

“I’d like to think he’ll be looking down on me, wondering what on earth I’m doing, but feeling proud of me at the same time.

Shaun is inviting people to come out and join him for parts of the challenge. SAMH

“To be in a position where I can hopefully make a difference to other people is something I don’t take for granted.

“If this challenge encourages even one person to open up about how they’re feeling or ask for help, then it will all have been worth it.”

Shaun will visit all eight cities in Scotland as well as East Dunbartonshire and Argyll and Bute, before finishing at The Nook in Glasgow city centre.

Along sections of the route, Shaun is encouraging people to join him, saying the support makes a huge difference as this is the last challenge he intends to do.

“This one’s for Christopher. I want to make him proud and hopefully do something that makes a genuine difference to other people who are struggling. That’s what matters more than anything,” he said.

Shaun is no stranger to endurance challenges, having previously run 465 miles from London to Glasgow, raising £20,000 for Children in Need.

Help and support is available now if you need it. Details of services available can be found at stv.tv/advice

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visitwww.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.