Ayrshire College students have completed a sponsored walk to raise funds for the Kris Boyd Charity in memory of Adrian ‘Lionheart’ McCallum, the popular Ayr wrestler who tragically took his own life last year.

The original 12-mile ‘Walk for Lionheart’ event was cancelled due to COVID-19 but students and staff were instead encouraged to do a walk as part of their permitted daily exercise on Thursday, May 7 in honour of the former college student and to raise awareness of mental health.

One student who took on the challenge was Ross Munro who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy and is a full time wheelchair user.

Ross walked 16 metres from his bedroom to his living room using his leg braces, raising £750 for the charity.

Ross’ dad Kenny said: “It was a big challenge for Ross but he managed to walk from the bedroom to the living room.

“He just wanted to do something for mental health as he likes to support these causes.

“He’s over the moon to have gotten over his target”

The event has now spread as far as America and Australia and has had the backing of famous faces including Nacho Novo, Scotland rugby star Gordon Reid and Kilmarnock captain Gary Dicker.

Sending a motivational message to students, Kris Boyd said: “I know it’s a tough time for everybody right now and to get through it we need to help each other.

“On Thursday the Passing Positivity walk was meant to take place with the aim of raising awareness about mental health and also as a chance to pay tribute to Scottish wrestler ‘Lionheart’ Adrian McCallum. But with the current circumstances it hasn’t been possible.

“So instead myself and the college have decided that when you’re out tomorrow for your daily exercise it would be nice idea if you take a photo of something that made you smile and something you think would make others smile also.

“Ross says if he can do it anyone can do it.”

If you would like to donate to the charity, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kris-boyd-charity

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