A Cambuslang running group won an award for their mental health awareness work after one of their members sadly lost her life.
Newton Road Runners won the SAMH Mental Wellbeing Award at the 4J Scottish Athletics and Jog Scotland Annual Awards on Saturday, October 28.
In August 2021, a member of the group, Dr Catriona Gaskell, sadly lost her life as a result of mental health difficulties.
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In the aftermath, the club decided to take steps to help members through all of their coaches and leaders attending a First Aid Mental Health Awareness course.
The club has since organised annual running events to celebrate Cat’s life whilst raising awareness and funds for mental health charities, including Penumbra Mental Health and SAMH, with the club now becoming a signatory to SAMH’s Mental Health Charter for Physical Activity and Sport.
Newton Road Runners coach, Craig Lawton, spoke about the award and how important it is for the club to keep Cat’s memory alive, he said: “Ten of us went along and it was a big night for us. We had no incline at all that we would win, it was a total surprise.
“It meant the world to us because of what happened in the past with Cat. We put a lot into mental health awareness and it was quite an emotional night.
“Just two weeks ago we raised over £1500 for SAMH Charity in memory of Cat. We do an annual fundraiser every November. It’s important for the group to continue it too.”
Development officer for Jog Scotland, Jo Stevens, added: “We’re delighted to recognise the important work Newton Road Runners have embarked on with this award.
“We know that it will be received by them not only as recognition for their efforts, but also, rightly, as a tribute to their friend and fellow jogger, the much-missed Cat Gaskell.
“Here at Jog Scotland , we have been partners with SAMH since 2017, and over that time, we’ve found out just how strongly physical and mental wellbeing go hand in hand.
“ Our jogging groups are not just places people go to get active and feel fitter – they also very often provide friendship, community, and support when times get tough.
“To see Newton Road Runners taking active steps to support their members’ mental health – such as giving their jog leaders mental health first aider training – is so heartening. We wish them well as they continue with this work.”
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