'Absolutely buzzing to help': Glasgow men to run Great Scottish Run 10k to fundraise for charity Aware

Maryhill-based Graham Brannan, 21, and Paul McMonagle, 20, both lost their siblings in car accidents at a young age.

Now, they are participating in the Great Scottish Run to raise funds for Aware, an organisation that supports disadvantaged youths.

After experiencing tragedy, the young men met through charity Hosanna House and Children's Pilgrimage Trust, and have channelled much of their time into helping other children and young people affected by trauma, disadvantaged backgrounds and disability. 

Paul, on the left (Image: Aware)

Graham, on the far left (Image: Aware)

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Graham said: "Having benefitted so much from these types of initiatives in the past, it seemed only right for Paul and myself to get involved with the work of Aware.

"Young people who have experienced trauma or faced adverse challenges in their lives gain so much from spending quality time away with others who may share similar experiences or who they can learn from.

"We’re both absolutely buzzing to be able to help out and give a little back”. 

Paul, on the right (Image: Aware)

Aware trip (Image: Aware)

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The charity’s founder, Christopher Glancey, said: “Both Graham and Paul are fantastic young men who volunteered to get involved with Aware from the outset and [looked] after disadvantaged and disabled young people on our first trip to Aviemore earlier this year.

"Both of them are caring, compassionate, and perfect role models for our beneficiaries and we are delighted to have them so closely involved with the charity.” 

Aware focuses on offering activity-led weekends away for children from challenging circumstances, disadvantaged backgrounds and additional support needs and is aimed at strengthening self-confidence, developing social awareness and having fun.