A Livingston teenager has set himself a gruelling challenge to raise awareness of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Robbie McColl (16) had initially been nominated by a friend to take on the 22-day push-up challenge to highlight the effects of the mental illness. But Robbie decided to raise the stakes 10 times higher. Now he’ll hold a plank position for 220 seconds every day for 220 days to support PTSD Resolution.
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The charity helps UK veterans and their families resolve PTSD brought on by trauma endured while in the military.
Robbie said: “I was nominated to participate in the 22-in-22 push-up challenge to raise awareness for post-traumatic stress disorder. I took it upon myself to adapt the challenge for a better effect and a higher awareness of the condition.
“My challenge is a lot tougher and for a longer period of time, but I feel it is worth the effort and I would encourage others to also participate in the challenge even if they are not nominated.”
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PTSD is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
Robbie added: “I fully encourage everyone to donate to the charity and to the cause, or if you can’t afford it or you have your reasons to not donate, I encourage you to raise awareness about PTSD.”
A spokeswoman for PTSD Resolution said: “Robbie wanted to make the challenge a more difficult one, and to carry it on for a longer period of time. This is an awesome effort, and in doing so he has chosen to support PTSD Resolution.” You can donate to Robbie’s cause at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/givetoptsd.
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