Running for Emily: Teen’s 24-hour Tribute

One young man is taking on a challenge many will never attempt in their lives.

17 year old Daniel McGill has set himself the mission of running a 24 hour relay in honour of his late friend Emily Kelly.

Emily sadly passed away late last year at 13-years-old.

It was this heartbreaking event that spurred Daniel into wanting to do something for the greater good.

A past student of Ballakermeen High School in Douglas, Daniel is currently studying the Level 3 sports course at the Isle of Man College.

He has pledged to run Douglas promeande in a 24 hour relay to raise vital funds for Ed Space.

A mental health charity on the island that was set up by a family in honour of their son Eddie Joyce who took his own life.

Ed Space is a supportive mental health community dedicated to raising awareness, sharing real stories, and creating safe spaces for honest conversations.

They carry the ethos that ‘it is okay, not to be okay’, which Daniel is passionate about spreading the message of through his fundraising.

Daniel will begin his 24 hour stint on April 25, at 8:00am, finishing on April 26, at 8:00am.

He said: ‘I’m starting this fundraiser to help raise awareness for mental health and to break the stigma around talking about it. Mental health is something that affects so many people, but it’s still often not talked about enough.

‘This is also in memory of a friend we lost. Their life mattered, and they will never be forgotten. I want to do something positive in their honor by encouraging people to speak up, support each other, and remind everyone that they’re not alone.’

Currently Daniel has raised £275 and hopes more people will donate to his cause along the way.

‘I’m very proud to have raised so much already. I’ve been doing a bit of training, like, 5K’s, 10k’s every week, to build more endurance and just get me mentally prepared for it.’

Late last year Daniel also did 35km in honour of Emily, with this being a bigger pursuit for himself personally to remember his friend.

He said, ‘I feel like I am doing part to honour her name.’

Daniel is feeling positive about the challenge he has set himself.

With friends from college, family members and other people close to him set to join him at some point along the way, Daniel is keen for other members of the public to show their support in any way they can.

Whether it be through walking for 10 minutes, running alongside Daniel or donating towards Ed Space.

Daniel is grateful for it all.

You can donate to the Just Giving Page through this link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/daniels-just-giving-space?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Ed Space are a registered Manx charity who offer mental health support if you are struggling, you can find them on facebook or through their website: https://edspace.im/

Samaritans have a free helpline you can call on: 116 123.