AN Irvine man has completed a mega six half marathons and one full marathon in seven days to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and to raise money for a local men’s charity.

Jamie Clark, 36, covered the amazing 105 mile distance in just one week between May 9 and May 16 in aid of local charity Release.

The online men’s support charity provides support to men that are struggling with depression and mental health problems.

Jamie ran the distance throughout Mental Health Week - a seven day event which this year tackled the problem of loneliness.

Jamie told the Times: “The reason for taking on this challenge has nothing to do with what I can do with running but was to show anyone out there struggling mentally that even if they don’t think it, we have that strength within to fight back and from personal experience its the hardest step but the most rewarding.

“The week of running went really well, it was the Edinburgh marathon yesterday that really floored me, the heat was terrible!

“When I joined the Fit Ayrshire Dads page I was 20-odd stone, my mental health was struggling and running was a good wee escape. There was a link to Release online so I thought I’d try something to push myself a bit.

“I thought - 10k then push to half marathon just to make it harder.

“I’ve raised £445 so far but I won’t stop there.

“Release are doing a 10k challenge for July and I’ll do 10k a day to see if I can raise a wee bit more for them.

“They give men a chance to talk before it goes to far.

Jamie’s mum Julie commented: “Jamie has his own mental health issues and is bipolar so this is very close to his heart.

“We in the family are so proud of this and everything he has accomplished in the last few years while working and being dad to his three kids.

“It’s not been easy for him with his issues but we love to see something give to the community.”

Jamie continued: “My mental health wasn’t good. I was struggling I had let myself go, I was 20 odd stone and now i’m 14 stone. Running is the thing I do that makes me happy, it makes me push myself.

“I did an ultra marathon last year – 50k, and now I’m looking at the West Highland Way route next year. I’m starting to train for that. It’s 96.5 miles and 36 hours, i’ll listen to my body and make sure it’s ready for it.”

For more information on Release visit https://www.facebook.com/ReleaseAyrshire and for more information on Fit Ayrshire Dads search via social media.