Edinburgh man leads tributes for 'caring and selfless' friend after tragic loss
An Edinburgh man has completed a touching for his best friend after a tragic loss.
Thomas Robertson met Finlay MacDonald at school in Edinburgh, and the pair went on to study at the University of St Andrews. Finlay was lost to suicide last year, with those who loved him hailing him as a 'caring and selfless' young man.
On July 6, Thomas ran from St Andrews to Merchiston Castle School in the capital. He was joined by friends and family for the final kilometre, and feels 'relieved to have something so terrible have a positive impact'.
The run raised over £28,800 for Scottish Action for Mental Health. It will support at least 12 schools, who will benefit from the charity's peer supporter programme.
Thomas, 20, said: "I wanted to start my run at Finlay's university in St Andrews, before finishing at our school in Edinburgh where we were classmates.
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"The run gave me a lot of time to think about Finlay, and how lucky I was to have him as a friend. It was really fun waking up every day knowing you're going to see your best friend.
"There are so many Finlays out there who have lost their lives to suicide, and it just shows how much more we need to do.
"I'm relieved that something so terrible that happened will now have a positive impact on schools in Edinburgh. People see the value in supporting mental health, and I'm really grateful that people have been generous enough to donate."
(Image: SAMH)
Catriona Wilson, Mass Participation Events Manager at SAMH, said: 'It's been an absolute privilege to support Thomas in this challenge, and to witness the strength and heart he's poured into honouring Finlay's memory in such a powerful way.
"Thomas's incredible efforts have helped reduce the stigma around suicide and encouraged people to open up and ask for help. With his help, and everyone who has donated, at least 12 additional schools will now benefit from SAMH's Peer Supporter programme."
Rev. Nick Blair, Chaplain at Merchiston Castle School where Thomas and Finlay were pupils together, said:"Community defines Merchiston. A year ago, we mourned with the MacDonald family after losing their beloved Finlay.
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"Today, we unite again, supporting his close friend Thomas, whose fundraising effort in Finlay's memory is deeply moving. The solidarity from old boys, parents, staff and pupils shows who we are: a community that stands together.
"It's also a moment to stress that young men must never feel ashamed to discuss their mental health. Breaking silence saves lives.
"Today, we run with Thomas and raise our voices with SAMH, honouring Finlay and supporting vital mental health work."
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