A fitness fanatic has run from London to Aberdeenshire to show his appreciation for his girlfriend.
Over the past year, the partners of four of Stuart Amory’s friends have died, which made the 43-year-old realise how fortunate he was to have his other half.
The personal trainer resolved to display his devotion by completing a 520-mile run, spanning 18 days, from near his home in south-west London to Oyne, where his partner Sara Lucas lives.
He was given a hero’s welcome as he entered the village upon completing the challenge and rewarded with a party at Ms Lucas’s workplace, Lil C’s BBQ.
After crashing through the makeshift finish line that was set up there, Mr Amory explained his motivations for undertaking the labour of love.
He said: “When Sara and I first got together last February, people questioned the long distance nature of the relationship and said it wouldn’t last.
“But having so many friends losing their partners in the last year made me realise how lucky I am, and that the distance between us is a small problem compared to not having your partner at all.
“I wanted to run from my home to her home to show how grateful I am for what I have in my life, I put myself through all the pain to show that appreciation.”
Mr Amory grew up around Huntly but moved south to pursue his career as a personal trainer.
The keep-fit enthusiast has since gained recognition as a guru to the stars, helping to keep the likes of Hollywood actress Emily Blunt, newsreader Trevor Macdonald, sports presenter Jake Humphrey and football pundit Chris Kamara in shape.
Mr Amory said that he felt “drained” after completing the run but said the mental hardship of the task outweighed the physical strain.
He said: “The funny thing is that the mental aspect was the hardest part, in having to keep pushing on when every single part of your body is telling you to stop.
“The physical stuff wasn’t so difficult, as crazy as that sounds.
“I have this never quit attitude and I tested it to the limit.”
Mr Amory raised funds for the Mind mental health charity throughout his challenge, and has collected more than £8,000 towards his £10,000 target.
