Strathaven girls go to great lengths for depression charity swim
5 Mar 2010-
Laura MacKenzie and Mairi Stewart are tackling a marathon swim to raise funds for, and awareness of the work of Depression Alliance
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Laura and Mairi are aiming to swim 26 miles each - and have made great progress since they started in January
The girls are aiming to each swim a marathon of 26 miles (41,834 metres) in the water, which adds up to 1,674 lengths of the 25-metre pool. Having started out on 27th January, Mairi is now approaching half way at 11 miles, with Laura at the eight-mile mark.
The marathon effort has already raised over £750, and you can make a donation here on the 'Girls Do Lengths' Justgiving page, where you can also follow their progress throughout the challenge. A donation through Justgiving is secure, and will also claim back the Gift Aid is reclaimed for the appeal too.
Both Mairi and Laura have been touched by the condition, having lost friends and family to depression. Fraser MacKenzie died in September 2006, while only in November last year Stonehouse girl Mandy Lindsay, who suffered from depression, died. Both are sadly missed by friends and family members, and have been the inspiration behind the girls' marathon swimming effort.
Depression affects thousands of people across the UK and millions worldwide, and Depression Alliance helps support people going through similar situations that Mandy and Fraser faced. It also helps support the families and combat the stigma attached to depression.
Laura said: Mandy spent her life helping people with physical and mental problems, so let's continue her steps. This cause is close to my heart, and with your help and support we hope to make a difference to others."
You can find more information on Depression Alliance here: www.depressionalliance.org
Good luck to Mandy and Laura! Post your messages of support here on s1strathaven - and don't forget to visit their site and donate.
6 Mar 2010 | 12:51:09
Audrey Steele says
Mairi and Laura - well done to both of you for standing up and being counted. I've suffered from depression and anxiety for a long time and feel isolated from Strathaven society. Reading your story gives me inspiration to keep up the daily fight. Good luck with your swim and thank you from all the sufferers of mental ill health.