Scotiabank runner beats the odds—from homeless and addicted to mentor, teacher and running group leader

VANCOUVER, June 13, 2013 /CNW/ - The fact that Brendan McLellan volunteers as a teacher, leading both a running group and a support group, might not seem so unusual—until you learn that it was only three years ago he was on a 15-day, $12,000 drug-binge, which he had planned to culminate by jumping off the Pattullo bridge. Thankfully, he was arrested prior to the climax.

Today, Brendan is clean and sober and poised to run his third Scotiabank half-marathon—a run that encourages participants to raise money for a listed charity. On Sunday, June 23, 2013 Brendan will run to help raise money and awareness for Union Gospel Mission's Women and Families program—the organization he credits with saving his life.

Brendan discovered his love of running while working to stay clean and sober in UGM's drug and alcohol recovery program. An athlete in his high school days, Brendan had abused his body for many years, and it was a long road back to health—but that didn't dissuade him. Brendan beat his body into submission and disciplined his will to overcome the drug and alcohol addiction that had decimated his life.

Today, Brendan humbly passes on what he has learned. A natural born leader, Brendan teaches classes for a well-known sobriety group, is president of UGM's alumni association, is a drug and alcohol sponsor to four men, and leads a running group—all while working around his full-time job in construction.

In preparation for the Scotiabank Half, Union Gospel Mission runners and walkers of all abilities, from all walks of life, will gather this Saturday, June 15 at 10:00am at UGM for a "Run Meet", to participate in a 5K run around False Creek and to get excited and prepped for the Scotiabank charity run the following weekend.

Brendan will be running at the meet alongside people he has coached both in running and in sober living.

"People were there and reached out to me when I was in my darkest place," says Brendan, "and I want to be there for others. Now, life is absolutely fantastic. It just keeps getting better. I used to be so selfish, but I've given that all up to God and my life is completely transformed."

UGM's Scotiabank fundraising goal is $50,000, and could really use the public's help to meet that goal.  Join team UGM to walk or run the 5K or Half-Marathon or donate to someone who already participating is by visiting: www.ugm.ca/run.

To read Brendan's full story: http://bit.ly/11AqPZS

SOURCE: Union Gospel Mission

Media Contact: Keela Keeping, [phone], [email protected], Twitter: @UGM, UGM.ca