Skye ready to face Edinburgh Marathon in memory of her brother

A loving sister will take on the Edinburgh Marathon  this Sunday in memory of her brother and to raise funds for CrossReach.

Skye Masson took on the Scottish Half Marathon last year after her brother Christopher died in prison.

Skye explained that Christopher had struggled with substance use and mental health problems.

At CrossReach, we offer various mental health support initiatives, support for those in recovery from substance use, as well as operating prison visitor support services across Scotland. 

Speaking ahead of the race, Skye told us: “I have never been a long-distance runner. A year ago, I was unable to run more than 5k and had only ever focused on speed and reaching personal bests. 

“Since losing my brother Christopher in March 2024, I have been determined to raise as much awareness as possible, but I had no idea where to start or how to get his story out there. 

“So, I decided to book the Scottish Half Marathon with the intention of carrying on to a full marathon. It was all very much just ideas and thoughts back then, with no experience whatsoever, but I knew I would manage to take on anything, as nothing related to the pain of losing Christopher.

“Christopher had a long history of poor mental health and addiction. Like many others, he found himself in the criminal justice system due to a lack of knowledge about his own struggles and limited support.”

Christopher was placed in prison on a 7-month sentence due to a decline in his mental health and substance misuse. 

Unfortunately, just a week before he was due to be released, Christoper suffered a seizure and died. 

Skye works as a relief support worker and has worked across several CrossReach services including the Kirkhaven Project in Glasgow, which offers accommodation, support and social care for homeless adults with complex needs.

Skye said: “I had started working for CrossReach just months before the incident with my brother, as I wanted to support vulnerable adults and gain experience of the complexities they face. 

“I have had the pleasure of working in many services within CrossReach across homelessness, substance misuse, criminal justice and mental health, which has enabled me to understand and be part of the real hard work, training, respect and compassion required to provide adequate support across all sectors. 

“Christopher’s last phone call to me from prison was him telling me he was so proud of his wee sis for getting into university and achieving what I was.”

You can support Skye by donating to her fundraising page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/skyesmarathonforchris?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL