Port Glasgow footballer taking on charity challenge

Craig McCormick will be taking part in the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run in Glasgow on Sunday as part of a donation drive for mental health support charity Man On Inverclyde.

The 34-year-old, who is the Port Juniors skipper, is completing the long-distance event in memory of his late brother-in-law Ryan MacDonald, who died suddenly in 2020 aged just 41.

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Ryan was a much-loved dad and talented junior footballer and tributes poured in following his death.

Port Glasgow man Craig told the Telegraph he is keen to support Man On's lifesaving work in the community.

He said: “I want to do my bit for the community and help out the good cause that is Man On.

“I have a mate who works there, and I see first hand a lot of the work he puts into it.

“They all work that hard.

“I hope by doing this it just makes people more aware of Man On.

“The good work they do is unbelievable, there are so many groups you can go along to now and what I think is most important is that they’re working with kids too.

“If it gets to that stage kids will grow up recognising that mental health is just a normal thing to talk about.

“There won’t be so much of a stigma around it.

“In years gone by it would have been seen as a weakness talking about these kind of things but hopefully this helps change that.”

Craig believes the knowledge that he is supporting such a good cause will help carry him through the run.

He added: “Obviously I play semi-professional football, but I’ve never really run these sorts of distances.

“I’m coming back from injury and I’m getting on a bit in years, so this should be a good challenge.

“I am doing it for a brilliant charity and I’m glad to support them.

“If I’ve got all that in the back of my mind it’ll drive me to make sure I finish.

“Man On is a great cause and one I’ll support for the rest of my life.”

Those wishing to support Craig’s fundraiser should visit https://tinyurl.com/4e2daptz.