A football coach is set to tackle a ten-hour gym challenge for the charity that saved his life.

Jon Connolly wants to give something back to Back Onside who helped him in his hour of need.

The Annan Athletic goalkeeping coach will spend ten hours walking on a treadmill at his home gym in Glasgow.

He has already passed his initial target of raising £1,000 for Back Onside, the mental health charity, by walking from 8am to 6pm on Wednesday, December 6.

Explaining his challenge, former Motherwell keeper Connolly, 42, said: “As most of you will know my own personal story with Back Onside saving my life literally, I feel I need to take myself out my comfort zone and give back to help others.

“I wanted to do something that involved my gym, Everlast gym at Glasgow Fort, as they have played a huge part in my recovery mentally and physically – it’s like my second family in there.

“The challenge is physically and mentally demanding which I feel is appropriate to do as it’s symbolic of Back Onside and Everlast gyms.”

Connolly shared his moving story in an interview with the News & Star earlier this year.

He explained how he had been on the brink of suicide in 2019 when he made a desperate call to Back Onside founder Libby Emmerson.

She came to his aid and arranged support for the coach, including a period in a mental health ward followed by a period of counselling.

Connolly has been working on his mental health since then and has made strides personally and professionally.

He is well regarded as Annan’s keeper coach and has played a key part in their progress, with the club winning a first-ever promotion to Scottish League One under Peter Murphy last season.

Connolly spoke out in an attempt to highlight the work of Back Onside, saying: “I know for a fact they save lives – mine’s just one of them.”

To donate to Jon Connolly's charity challenge, visit his JustGiving page HERE

For more information on Back Onside, click HERE