A SUPERFIT teacher is going the distance for charity...by running the equivalent of three marathons in the space of six weeks to raise awareness of a mental health charity. 

John Carr, who teaches mathematics at Eastwood High School, will take on the 88 mile challenge for the Glasgow Association for Mental Health (GAMH). 

Organised as part of the school’s charity fundraising this school year, Mr Carr has already raised more than £500 for GAMH and is hoping to reach £1,000 before he hits the streets of Edinburgh for his final run. 

He said: “The pupils have inspired me to take on this challenge.

“I have been overwhelmed by the support and donations of friends, family and everyone at the school. 

“GAMH is such an amazing charity doing amazing work with everyday people in our communities and I am delighted with the fundraising so far.

“Personally mental health is an issue like most which is close to me having experienced family, friends and work colleagues struggle through various conditions throughout life. 

“I want to be a role model to the pupils to increase the awareness and reduce the stigma of mental health to a new generation.

Beginning with four half marathons, the maths teacher travelled to Blackpool at the weekend to complete the first of these, before heading to Chester next weekend. 

He will then make the journey to the Leeds Half Marathon on Saturday, May 13, Manchester’s Half Marathon on May 20 before taking on his first ever full marathon in Edinburgh on Saturday, May 27. 

John added: “I have been taking every opportunity to get training runs in and having access to excellent facilities at the school such as the gym and running track has allowed me to train during my lunch break and before and after school with pupils cheering me on as I run around the track. 

“Training so far has been going well and my goal is to break the 1hour 15min mark for a half marathon and for a sub 3 hour for the Edinburgh marathon which would help me qualify for the London and Boston marathons next year.”

GAMH has been supported throughout the year by Eastwood High School, with well over £1,000 raised already by events and initiatives held by pupils. 

Director of GAMH, Jacqueline Croft, said: “We are extremely grateful for Mr Carr’s support alongside the wonderful pupils, staff and parents at Eastwood who have been fundraising for GAMH over this year. 

“The Eastwood team have been truly creative and innovative in their events all of which promote the GAMH message of the importance of good mental health and wellbeing for all.

“Mr Carr’s particular efforts would challenge of the fittest of athletes, we applaud his endurance and stamina and will be cheering him on every step of the way.”

For more information on the charity’s work, visit www.gamh.org.uk.