TURNING a negative into a positive has helped an inspirational West Fife teenager raise more than £1,000 for a mental health charity.

Heather Pollock, from Rosyth, has been hailed as "amazing" by Young Minds after running two marathon distances throughout May in support of the organisation.

They provide help for children and young people, and their parents, who are struggling with their mental health and Heather, 15, pulled on her running shoes in support having had her own wellbeing impacted in the past.

She was subjected previously to cruel taunts by bullies at secondary school and, although support was available through school staff and parents Billy and Nina, she began to think of others who may not have such avenues to help them.

That led to her taking on a double marathon effort for Young Minds and, on Sunday, she completed the final miles around the playing fields at Camdean Primary School, with family, friends and even a piper – all keeping a social distance – there to cheer her on.

Heather smashed through her initial £500 target, raising £1,020, and said: "It was kind of emotional, especially when I crossed the line and the first person I see is my mum, and gave her a hug.

"My initial target was £500, so to have doubled it is mindblowing. I know that I've always had support but, this month particularly, the amount of support I've had has made me feel good and less alone.

"I've had a few people come up to me who didn't really know my story and maybe only noticed it a few days ago, who said they wanted to share it further. Making an impact on someone else makes you feel happier.

"If anyone can take anything away from my story, it is that not everything has to be negative after. You can turn that kind of experience into a positive, and make an impact."

Proud dad Billy said: "As a family, we are absolutely proud as punch and are amazed by her achievement, the dedication and the commitment to go through with it.

"All too often, young people get a bad press, but there are a lot of good young people out there, not just Heather, who do a lot of good things, that we should celebrate.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has supported Heather. We're immensely proud."

In a message to Heather, a spokesperson for Young Minds added: "The coronavirus pandemic is the biggest health crisis for generations and it is having a devastating impact on the lives of people across the world.

"The measures that the UK Government is taking to address the crisis, including restrictions on movement and the closure of schools to most students, are absolutely necessary to save lives, whilst simultaneously posing a mental health risk for our society.

"Without your help, we would not be able to support professionals, parents, children and young people across the UK to make a real and substantial difference to their lives and safeguard the mental health of children and young people, not just now but long into the future."

Heather's justgiving page remains open and can be accessed at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nina-pollock1.