An Ayrshire GP practice manager took on a lung-busting birthday challenge to help support kids struggling with their mental health.Mum-of-two Lindsay Pattie, from Troon, opted out of the traditional birthday celebrations and instead ran 43 miles around Arran on her 43rd birthday.The GP practice manager of South Beach Medical Practice in Ardrossan wanted to make a difference after noticing local mental health services for youngsters at ‘crisis point’.Lindsay, who is also a trained counsellor, decided to clock up the miles in order to give kids the opportunity to access counselling services who have been unable to support local NHS services.The mum of two boys Ruairidh, 10 and Fergus, 8 admits the daring challenge caught husband Kevin, 54, by surprise.But she was well backed by best pals Rosie Sugden and Susan Geddes as she set off in wet and windy conditions on Friday, May 6, with her boys joining her at the finish line.She started her run at Auchrannie and ran a 43 mile loop round the north of the island and over the String Road.“It was hard,” Lindsay said, “I'd only run 34 miles maximum in training so I didn't know if I would be able to do it — although there was no way I wasn't making it.“Having Rosie and Susan with me was amazing and lifted me and the thought of seeing my boys at the end drove me on.“Seeing the boys at the end was incredible.
It made it extra special.”The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now.Get all the local news in your area – plus features, football news and the latest on the coronavirus crisis – at your fingertips 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories while you can customise your page with the sections that matter to you.The Ayrshire Live app is