Jordan running 10 marathons in 10 days for mental health charity

Jordan Reid, 24, has used exercise to turn his fortunes around against a gambling addiction which left him burning through his wages.

Now the former footballer has found a new motivation and he wants to support others who are struggling with low points by raising thousands for the Scottish Association of Mental Health.

The former St Matthew’s Academy pupil has already completed eight days of running and by this Thursday, September 17 will have finished 10.

Jordan told the Herald: “I have been running a lot, I normally do the Park Run at Kilwinning, have done the Troon 10k and Kilmarnock 10k.

“Just before lockdown I took on a couple of half-marathons and through it, I’ve been running loads. I managed five full marathons before I started this challenge.

“It’s for a mental health charity, it’s a cause that is close to my heart. People in my family have gone through mental health problems. There are other families who are going through problems. This will hopefully help them too.”

Jordan used exercise to stay disciplined as he overcame his own personal battle with mental health. He contacted Gamblers Anonymous to face up to the problem and through group sessions in Ardrossan has bounced back.

Jordan said: “I’ve had my own personal battle with a gambling addiction. I didn’t realise that it would affect my mental health that bad.

“When I was beat, I didn’t hold my hands up, I still wanted to keep going. My mum and dad didn’t see what was going on, it was hidden.”

“I enjoy my fitness and I’ve not had a drink in eight months. It’s been a year and nine months since I last gambled.”

Jordan has hailed the support of personal trainers at Performance Gym in Kilwinning. He has also been backed by Fit Ayrshire Dads.

His initial target was to raise £1,500 which was already hit by the end of last week.

Jordan added: “It definitely gives me an extra push to keep going. Thanks to everyone who donated.”