Balmore couple host inspirational woman who's running across the country and back!

Yvie Johnson (36) is currently running the length of Britain, and back again. She set off on April 2 and originally hoped to do it in 42 days but soon realised this was unrealistic as she’d have to cover 40 miles per day.

She now aims to be finished in 16 days and when she completes the run she will become the first female to do this and set a world record.

She also hopes to raise awareness of mental health and funds (she’s aiming to reach £50,000) for five mental health charities - Bipolar UK, Mind, Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH), Young Minds & Place2Be.

Mark and Kelly Colquhoun from Solid Rock Cycles in Balmore invited her to stay for three nights on her way north (May 7 to 10) and when she travelled back south (May 31 to June 3).

Kelly said: “We couldn’t help but be in awe of this real life super woman.

“She is truly an inspirational woman and we loved having her stay over. We provided her with a place to stay, food, transport to and from her start and finishing points each day, transported her kit, organised for her hair to be done by Nikki Gilmour from Hair by Nicola in Torrance and Matt Barr from Enterprise Gym in Kirkintilloch gave Yvie a sports massage to ease her very tired legs!

“To take on this challenge is unthinkable for most people but Yvie has shown with the right preparation and sheer determination anything is possible.

“Our son Robbie (4) ran a little of the path at Rowardennan, Loch Lomond with Yvie and was so excited to run with a real superhero.”

Yvie said: “This run is, in one sense, a pilgrimage. I have lost my way over the past few years and I am at risk of retreating into the shell of a crushed soul. Some part of me is clinging to life with so much gusto and courage, that I have to give it a chance to see what it can do. This is that chance. Doing something that has never been done before, something that is beyond my imagination, and something that can benefit others dramatically, while hopefully helping me to find my sense of self once more.”

So far Yvie has raised £1,817. If you’d like to donate visit her sponsorship page http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/FierceMind