A DUNFERMLINE man put on his running shoes to remember his close friend and raise money and awareness of mental health.

Jack Cowan, 20, took part in the Scottish 10K run, which started at Musselburgh Racecourse, on Sunday and has made £1,745 for the Mental Health Foundation Scotland.

He decided to take part in the event in memory of his pal, Rory McKelvie, who died in December last year aged just 19 having struggled with mental health issues for some time.

Describing Rory as "top notch", Jack said: "We were good pals for three or four years. I've never met a guy like him; he was one of a type.

"He was always there if you needed him and he always looked on the bright side of life. To the ordinary person who was meeting Rory for the first time, you would think you were talking to a man who had the meaning of life and happiness figured out to a tee, however, mental health has no motive and no particular target. It can affect anyone.

"The thing with mental health, depression or suicide is that you never know why. There were times where I've asked if there was anything I could've done, but if you keep thinking like that, you'll continue down that path.

"Three weeks before he died, he tried to take his own life, but he was unsuccessful.

"I am really passionate about it because it's unfair that young people have to deal with it. The money I've raised might be an insignificant amount but the more that can be put in to support these organisations and health care, then it could make a difference.

"If I can make a difference to just one person, that's good enough for me."

Jack, who completed the run in 44 minutes and 52 seconds, continued: "It went very well and it was the first time I've actually done anything like that.

"When I saw the people and the atmosphere there, it took the nerves off. I thought it would be quite tough but seeing the people running, and the causes they were doing it for, was brilliant.

"I knew it was going to be tough emotionally but I got through it, and it was brilliant. The reasons I was doing it spurred me on, to raise awareness of people that are struggling, and carry on my pal's memory.

"It's something that's becoming more prominent in this day and age, particularly with social media, and I hope I've managed to make a slight difference."

The Mental Health Foundation Scotland's work focuses on prevention and tackling the root cause of mental health to prevent them escalating in the future.

Jack has set up a fundraising page, which is still open, and if you'd like to donate, visit https://uk.gofundme.com/57csci8.