Record breaking running coach becomes ambassador
Adventurer and athlete Donnie Campbell has become an ambassador for the Venture Trust
Campbell is the record holder for a complete round of all 282 Scottish Munro’s in 31 days and is one of Scotland’s top running coaches.
His main sport is ultra mountain running and has won races all over the world, representing team GB at the world trail running championships and also running across the Namib dessert in 9 days.
Mike Strang, interm CEO at Venture Trust, said: “Donnie is a shining example of what hard work, motivation and self-belief can achieve. As an ex-marine turned ultra-mountain runner, Donnie is well placed to inspire the people we work with who may not have had the best start in life. We are delighted to have Donnie on board.”
Venture Trust works with people to gain the life skills, stability and confidence needed to reach their potential through person-centred support in communities and experiential learning in the Scottish outdoors.
Campbell said: “My achievements are about building mental stamina as much as physical stamina; once you reach difficult circumstances, you know you have been through it before, and you can get through it again.
“The circumstances I’ve faced in life might be different, but by offering the right support and opportunities to learn out in the wild, I believe everyone working with Venture Trust has the chance to rise from their challenges and become the best version of themselves”.
Growing up in the Isle of Skye, Campbell is used to being in the countryside and surrounded by nature. He joined the Royal Marine Commando at age 17 and went to Iraq at age 18, facing many challenges at a young age. He left the marines to study Sports Coaching and Development and wanted to use his enthusiasm and coaching skills to encourage other people to reach their goals.
Strang added: “We are really excited about working with Donnie and hope that together we can really inspire people to try new experiences, especially in the outdoors, and push themselves to achieve their goals and reach their potential”.
