“Last May, half a dozen of us in the team had decided to run the Garioch 10k to raise funds,” Gavin explained. “That allowed us to put in place a summer activity programme for those we work with, and that just sort of got me thinking – what about another challenge?” Inspired by the success, Gavin decided to take the leap and signed up for the Paris Marathon.

Although Gavin had been a casual runner for some time, the idea of taking on a full marathon had never seriously crossed his mind. “No, first time,” he said when asked if he had run one before. “In fact, the 10k last year was the first time I had ever entered an event. Before that, it was just running for leisure and fitness at the weekends.” Laughing, he added, “Right now as well as being the first time I’ve run a marathon, it’s also the last time. But, I’m sure I’ll change my mind again!”

Choosing Paris wasn’t a random decision either. “I just wanted to set a personal goal,” he said. “I’d never visited Paris. The registration was open and I knew it’s one of the most beautiful marathons to run in the whole world. It was an opportunity to take on that challenge, see Paris, and hopefully raise some money for ADA at the same time.” The training, however, was no easy feat.

“At times, I’m not going to lie, there was more than one 6:00 a.m. start where I spent half an hour staring at my running shoes trying to psych myself up over a cup of coffee to head out in the cold”

Winter training brought its own challenges. “I remember one day I went out when it was minus eight degrees. I just looked miserable in the photo I took.” But despite the tough moments, Gavin remained committed. “You make a personal commitment and others have invested in you – family, friends, colleagues. People gave their hard earned money to support this and I wanted to achieve my personal goal so I pushed through.”

On the day itself, the experience was overwhelming. “It was absolutely phenomenal but it was brutal at the same time. The last five miles, I’m not going to lie, it was a massive challenge to keep going” Gavin admitted. “But the support was fantastic. I think there were around 65,000 people running. To be a part of that was a real privilege.”

Gavin’s motivation wasn’t just personal. The money raised will fund another series of activities at ADA, helping individuals in recovery reconnect with their community and explore new opportunities. “Last year’s programme meant that some folk did things they never thought they would – even simple things like 10 pin bowling for the first time,” Gavin explained. “This year, we’ve nearly doubled what we raised, so we can expand our horizons even further – maybe a visit to the Tall Ships in July, day trips to the Edinburgh Festival, or even hiring a mini bus so we can climb Bennachie.”

The focus is firmly on co-design, letting service users help shape the activities. “First and foremost, it’s about asking: What would you all like to try out with these activities? What went well last year? What could we do this year that we couldn’t before?” Gavin said. “It’s about creating safe spaces where people can try new things.”

Gavin is passionate about the role activities play in recovery. “Substance use doesn’t happen in a vacuum, and recovery doesn’t happen in a vacuum either,” he said. “Recovery can reconnect people with old hobbies, but it’s just as important to explore new passions. It’s about giving people a reason to get up and out, finding purpose, routine, and building hope.”

Beyond fundraising, Gavin believes events like the marathon help raise awareness about the work of ADA.

“Part of the motivation was if this drives more interest in our work, it can start a different conversation. We hear a lot about the harms of substance use in Scotland, but recovery also brings positives. People do change – we see it every day. But hope needs opportunities and safe spaces to grow.”

“Part of the motivation was if this drives more interest in our work, it can start a different conversation,” he said. “We hear a lot about the harms of substance use in Scotland, but recovery also brings positives. People do change – we see it every day. But hope needs opportunities and safe spaces to grow.”

Crossing the finish line in Paris was emotional. “It’s starting to settle in now,” Gavin said. “There’s a little video of my daughter managing to catch me at the halfway point, and she came out and ran a little bit alongside me. That memory – that family memory – is just incredible.”

Gavin admitted he feels a real sense of achievement. “I wouldn’t go as far as pride, but definitely a sense of achievement. Less than 1% of the world’s population has officially completed a marathon. On a personal level though, the training gave me space to decompress from work and life so that was a big part of it too. Overall I’d say I’ve taken a huge benefit from the whole process.”

Although another marathon might not be on the cards at the minute, Gavin is looking ahead already at the next challenge. “I’ve signed up for the Garioch Half Marathon next month,” he smiled. “There’s talk in the office about the Kiltwalk – anything we can do to help raise funds and the profile of ADA, we are up for it!”.

Gavin’s JustGiving page remains open, and he’s edging closer to a phenomenal £2,000 target. “Honestly, the generosity of folk has just blown me away. It would be fantastic to hit that marker.”

“Raising money to fund the summer activities is incredible – but running the marathon was about more than that. It was about raising the profile of the work we do at ADA and showing that recovery is possible with the right support. It’s about reframing that narrative around substance use and breaking down the stigma.”

“Sometimes, it’s not the motivation that starts the conversation that matters – it’s the motivation that keeps it going. If running this marathon sparks just one new conversation about recovery, then every mile was worth it.”

If you would like to contribute to Gavin’s fundraiser, donations are still being accepted via his JustGiving page. Every penny will go directly toward creating new opportunities for those supported by Alcohol & Drugs Action.

ADA is a highly respected, trusted provider of substance use services in the North East, offering evidence based interventions to reduce harm, educate and support personal recovery. By focusing on harm reduction, holistic care, and person centred support, ADA ensures its services are flexible, accessible, and tailored to each individual’s needs.

ADA is open seven days a week.

To learn more, visit them online at alcoholanddrugsaction.org.uk, or on X, Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. ADA’s helpline is available at 01224 594700 or 0333 3 448 355 for confidential support and advice.

This article originally appeared in the May 2025 edition of ACVO News, our free monthly digital magazine featuring news and updates for and from the third sector in Aberdeen. Read the latest and past editions, and sign up to have it sent direct to your inbox every month at acvo.org.uk/acvo-news