**BBC Presenter Completes 10k Run in Crocs to Honour Late Brother and Raise Mental Health Awareness**
BBC Scotland’s Home of the Year presenter, Danny Campbell, marked a deeply personal tribute by running the Glasgow Men’s 10k while wearing a pair of Crocs. The unusual footwear choice was not just for spectacle; it was a heartfelt tribute to his younger brother, Duncan, who passed away last year following a courageous battle with cancer.
Campbell, who is also a practising architect and father-of-three, completed the 10-kilometre course in an impressive 50 minutes and 18 seconds. During the race, which started at Glasgow’s Riverside Museum and finished at Glasgow Green, he handed out copies of Duncan’s memoir, *The Suicide Notes*, to spectators and fellow participants. The act served as both a memorial and a conversation-starter about loss, resilience, and mental health.
The choice to don Crocs—usually more associated with casual wear than competitive sport—was intentional. Campbell has frequently appeared on television in his favoured footwear, using it as a symbol of authenticity and refusal to conform. He explained that by running in Crocs, he aimed to “defy expectations” and demonstrate how important it is to “show up for yourself”, no matter what others might think. “My Crocs have become a symbol of not giving a toss about other people’s expectations,” Campbell remarked. “It’s about being yourself and making space for others to do the same.”
The race itself was about more than physical endurance. Organisers have positioned the Glasgow Men’s 10k as a vehicle for prompting men of all ages to open up about their mental health. This year’s event, heightened by Campbell’s innovative approach, succeeded in creating conversations around vulnerability and support.
Duncan Campbell, who passed away at 31 from an aggressive form of brain cancer, fought his illness with remarkable fortitude and humour. Danny Campbell has spoken movingly about his brother’s “heroic” struggle, particularly their attempts at pioneering sonodynamic therapy in New York. “Dunk faced the toughest challenges in life with courage, wit, and an irreverent spirit,” Danny told reporters. “Even in the darkest moments, he found ways to make us laugh. I hope, by running in his memory, I can inspire others to reach out and support one another.”
Through this initiative, Danny Campbell managed to raise £750 for the Mental Health Foundation, a charity dedicated to eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health discussion. Julie Cameron, associate director for Scotland at the Mental Health Foundation, praised Campbell’s efforts. “Danny’s willingness to drive these conversations, especially among men, is invaluable,” she said. “As society becomes more aware of mental health, we must continue breaking down the barriers that discourage people from speaking openly about their struggles.”
On his JustGiving page, Campbell reflected on his motivations, urging others not to suffer in silence. “I’m doing this for my little brother, but also to encourage others to share what they’re going through. Dunk made an extraordinary impact on everyone he met—he was charismatic, quick-witted, honest, and above all, caring.”
Representing The Social Hub Glasgow as their ambassador, Campbell described his light-hearted stunt as “a silly way to say something serious.” He received cheers, donations, and plenty of bewildered looks from the crowd, but most importantly, he successfully used his platform to challenge expectations and spark important conversations.
For those interested in contributing to the cause, donations can be made at justgiving.com/page/danny-campbell. As Campbell’s run demonstrates, sometimes, breaking with convention and embracing individuality can help others feel less alone in their trials—and maybe inspire them to check in on someone who might need it.