A MAN will take on a running challenge to support a suicide charity in memory of his brother who killed himself.

Ex-Malvern school student Elliot McDonald is set to run the Great Manchester Half Marathon for his late brother Alastair.

The 23-year-old who attended Dysons Perrins school, in Malvern, will take-on his second long-distance run on behalf of the charity PAPYRUS, that helps to prevent suicide among young people by offering advice and support via a helpline service.

Alastair McDonald, Elliot’s younger brother, killed himself whilst at university in Manchester and his death has prompted Elliot to try and help.

He said: “It can be emotional at times. “Opening up about it on social media and advertising the runs and other fundraising events but I feel that losing Alastair constantly motivates me to do good things like this in order to raise money and awareness in the hope of saving a family from such a tragedy. Of course Alastair is constantly on my mind as I’m thinking of him as I push through to the finish line.”

He ran 10K in his brother’s name last year and is now stepping up the miles in the summer.

“I did 10k here in Manchester then and now I will be doing the half this year,” Elliot added. “I have begun training again after a large work load increase at university but I am now mainly focusing on cardio workouts when going to the gym. I also train Taekwondo for my university and national team which keeps me fit.”

Elliot said PAPYRUS has become a huge part of the family’s lives. He said: "As a family, we chose PAPYRUS as they do more than say 'let’s raise awareness',” he said. Our campaigning has meant we have been approached by many people who are also experiencing mental health issues or have a family member/friend who is going through it as we can empathise with them about the difficulties of getting support through NHS. Papyrus staff/volunteers have offered support and attended our events and have become friends of the family as so many of them are also suicide bereaved.”