A SISTER has told of the devastation of losing her “charismatic” 29-year-old brother who, “out of nowhere”, took his own life.

Karen Bourne said on the surface her brother David appeared to have it all, so his family were completely unaware he was battling serious mental health problems.

In memory of her brother, who was 29 when he died, Karen challenged herself to run 29 races, including half-marathons and 10ks, in a year to raise £29,000 for the charity Mind.

Her challenge culminates in this Sunday’s Great Scottish Run half-marathon in Glasgow.

She said: “Nothing I have endured throughout the 29 challenge will ever compare to the physical and emotional pain I felt at that time.

“David was always fit, healthy and well. He was incredibly charismatic, had a great job that he enjoyed, owned his own home and drove a car that he loved. Everything seemed fine.

“However, out of nowhere, he took his own life. His loss was such a shock – tragic and incredibly sad.

“He loved his family and friends and had so many people he could talk to if things weren’t okay.”

Karen, 44, who is from Lenzie, hopes her challenge will encourage others to take their own physical and mental health more seriously.

She added: “If I can help prevent one person or one family from having that experience then every single step I ran over the course of the year will be worth it.

“It is a big challenge in so many ways but I always know why I am doing it and I always believe that anything and everything is possible.”

The Great Scottish Run weekend includes a 10k and family events this weekend, September 29-30.

To sponsor Karen go to the29challenge.com/donate/

Entries are still available for the 10k at www.greatscottishrun.com