<p>Why, oh why, oh why? I know it is one of the greatest sightseeing tours in the World, but it would be so much easier to sit on a tour bus!</p> <p>I've been volunteering for the <a title="Oxford Samaritans" href="http://www.samaritans.org/talk_to_someone/find_my_local_branch/south_east/oxford.aspx">Oxford Samaritans</a> for around six months now (part of my carefully-managed mid-life crisis). The Samaritans can make a huge difference to people who are in distress just by providing a listening ear and some much-needed emotional support. Although we are all volunteers, every branch has to raise its own funds in order to provide a 24-hour service, 365 days a year. Please give whatever you can afford, however little (or much!!!). Samaritans promises to use your money well in the support of others, and I promise to keep training and to somehow cross the finishing line!</p> <p>So a very big thank you for taking the time to read this, and an even bigger thank you if you are able to support me. And a final big thanks to everyone at <a title="Headington Road Runners" href="http://www.hrr.org.uk/">Headington Road Runners</a> for welcoming me into the club and for keeping me running!</p>