Argyle's Paul runs 50 half marathons in a year

RAISING AWARENESS OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

- LORNA HUGHES

A FORMER Plymouth Argyle physiotherapist and footballer smashed his goal of completing 50 half marathons in a year for charity - inspiring a new mental health movement along the way.

Paul Maxwell took on the challenge to improve his mental health and raise money for Livewell Southwest and Devon Mind.

Paul embarked on his mission after turning 50 in July 2023. And despite his background as a professional sportsperson, he said it was tough going at first.

He found his first run along the Camel Trail to Padstow tricky both physically and emotionally. But he “got through it” and has since inspired a whole new mental health movement - joined by scores of other runners from across Devon and Cornwall on his Sunday morning and Friday night runs.

More than 100 runners took part in the final run of the challenge, with Paul fighting back tears as he told his supporters: “I have taken a piece of all of you into me and it’s made me the person I am now, so thank you.”