Sometimes the Biggest Victory Is Knowing When to Stop – Danny Hirst Reflects After the Bamburgh Castle to Edinburgh Castle 100-Mile Ultramarathon | Hirst Locksmiths
- Danny - Hirst Locksmiths Galashiels

- 5 hours ago
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Sometimes the Biggest Victory Is Knowing When to Stop – Danny Hirst Reflects After the Bamburgh Castle to Edinburgh Castle 100-Mile Ultramarathon
Local Locksmith in Earlston, Scottish Borders Shares a Personal Story of Resilience, Mental Health and Gratitude
At the weekend, Danny Hirst, owner of Hirst Locksmiths in Earlston, Scottish Borders (TD4 6ET), took on one of the UK’s toughest endurance challenges – the Bamburgh Castle to Edinburgh Castle 100-mile ultramarathon.
Unfortunately, the event did not end with a finish line celebration.
After reaching the 60-mile checkpoint, Danny made the difficult decision to withdraw from the race. While disappointing, it was also the right decision.
A Different Mindset
Years ago, Danny admits he would have continued regardless of the consequences.
Today, his priorities are very different.
With a loving wife, supportive family, fantastic friends, loyal customers and a growing locksmith business serving communities across the Scottish Borders, protecting his long-term health became far more important than crossing a finish line.
Sometimes the strongest decision is knowing when to stop.
Thousands of Miles… Countless Memories
Over many years, Danny has completed numerous ultramarathons and covered thousands of training miles.
Although withdrawing from this event was incredibly difficult, it may also mark the end of his long-distance ultra-running journey.
Rather than chasing ever longer distances, Danny now plans to spend more time enjoying life with his wife, family and friends while continuing to provide reliable locksmith services throughout the Scottish Borders.
The Real Achievement
Although the race ended early, something far more meaningful was achieved.
Together with friends, family, customers and members of the local community, Danny successfully raised £1,425 for CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably).
For Danny, this charity has a deeply personal meaning.
After experiencing suicidal thoughts in 2019, he understands first-hand how important organisations like CALM are for people facing difficult times.
Every donation will help provide life-saving support to those who need it most. Danny would like to sincerely thank every person who donated, shared the fundraising page or simply offered words of encouragement throughout the challenge.
Thank You to Everyone Who Made It Possible
Danny would also like to recognise several people whose support made this challenge possible.
Special thanks go to:
Mark for taking on the challenge alongside him and making the journey memorable despite the outcome.
Emma, Danny’s wife, for months of encouragement, endless support and plenty of lifts to training sessions and checkpoints.
Sue for helping Emma throughout the event and keeping Danny well fuelled with homemade food during training.
Connor and Lauren for the surprise support on the course, providing a welcome boost exactly when it was needed.
Back to Helping Customers Across the Scottish Borders
Following a few days of well-earned recovery, Danny is back doing what he enjoys most—helping homeowners, landlords and businesses with professional locksmith services.
Whether it’s an emergency lockout, lock replacement, uPVC door repairs, security upgrades or general locksmith advice, Hirst Locksmiths continues to provide reliable, friendly and professional service across:
Earlston (TD4)
Melrose (TD6)
Galashiels (TD1)
Kelso (TD5)
Jedburgh (TD8)
Selkirk (TD7)
Hawick (TD9)
Coldstream (TD12)
Duns (TD11)
St Boswells (TD6)
Newtown St Boswells
Gordon
Greenlaw
Lauder
Eyemouth
Peebles
Innerleithen
Walkerburn
Clovenfords
Berwick-upon-Tweed
and surrounding Scottish Borders communities.
Although the ultramarathon chapter may be coming to an end, Danny’s commitment to serving local customers remains stronger than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Danny Hirst withdraw from the ultramarathon?
Danny withdrew after 60 miles because his body was no longer able to continue safely. Protecting his long-term health was the right decision.
How much money was raised for CALM?
Thanks to the generosity of customers, family, friends and supporters, an incredible £1,425 was raised for Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).
Why is CALM important to Danny?
Danny experienced suicidal thoughts in 2019 and understands personally how valuable mental health charities like CALM can be for people in crisis.
Does Danny still run Hirst Locksmiths?
Yes. After a short period of recovery, Danny is back providing professional locksmith services throughout the Scottish Borders.
Where is Hirst Locksmiths based?
Hirst Locksmiths is based in:
Danny Hirst
Earlston
Scottish Borders
TD4 6ET
Telephone: 07399 574282
Website:
Google Maps:
Email:
What areas does Hirst Locksmiths cover?
Hirst Locksmiths serves customers throughout Earlston, Melrose, Galashiels, Kelso, Jedburgh, Selkirk, Hawick, Coldstream, Duns, Greenlaw, Gordon, St Boswells, Newtown St Boswells, Lauder, Peebles, Innerleithen, Walkerburn, Clovenfords, Eyemouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed and surrounding areas across the Scottish Borders.
Contact Hirst Locksmiths
If you need a trusted local locksmith in the Scottish Borders, Danny Hirst is ready to help.
Danny Hirst
Hirst Locksmiths
Earlston
Scottish Borders
TD4 6ET
Telephone: 07399 574282
Reliable. Honest. Local.







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