Largs Miss GB Ayrshire finalist Abbi Hems is taking on a 34,000-foot elevation running challenge

Largs Miss GB Ayrshire Finalist Takes on 34,000-Feet Elevation Running Challenge for Mental Health Charity

Abbi Hems, a Largs-based runner and Miss GB Ayrshire finalist has launched an ambitious running challenge to raise funds and awareness for SAMH, Scotland’s mental health charity.

The challenge began on 1st January with a loop of Knock Hill behind Largs, one of Abbi's favourite local routes. Over the course of January and February, she aims to log an impressive 34,000 feet of elevation, equivalent to climbing higher than Mount Everest and Ben Nevis combined.

The challenge will involve a mix of running and hiking, pushing Abbi's physical limits while also showcasing the many beautiful outdoor routes Ayrshire has to offer.

“Being active outdoors, especially running, has helped me get through some tough times mentally,” she said. “This challenge is about more than fitness; it’s about mental wellbeing, connection to nature, and showing how powerful movement and the outdoors can be for mental health.”

Abbi is undertaking the challenge as part of her Miss GB Ayrshire journey, with the hope that the platform will help her to reach as many people as possible and to help keep conversations around mental health open and non-judgemental.

She chose to support SAMH due to her own lived experience with mental health challenges, including anxiety, low mood and lethargy exacerbated by a chronic health condition. After seeking help through her GP and private counselling, she was referred to specialist occupational therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) services.

“I was lucky to experience the benefits of mental health support being integrated into primary care,” she added. “SAMH works hard to help make this kind of support more accessible across Scotland, and I want to do my bit to help them continue that work."

Funds raised through the challenge will go directly to SAMH, Scotland’s national mental health charity. SAMH works to improve mental health and wellbeing across communities by providing support services, delivering mental health training to a wide range of groups, including physical activity and community providers, and campaigning to reduce stigma and improve access to support across Scotland.

You can donate to Abbi's fundraising and follow her progress using this link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/abbi-hems-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL