Story
<p>Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.</p>
<p>This year I am running the Virign London Marathon on behalf of a very worthy charity, the Samaritans. My task in the overall scheme of things is quite simple - follow a route for 26 miles and get to the end (and with any luck, beat my time of 3'38 which I set in 2009).</p>
<p>For people who run into difficulties in their life, following a straight course is not always that easy. There are many obstacles in the way that force people off the road and in some cases, make them feel that life's journey should come to an end. I can't begin to imagine how low or desperate a person must be feeling where they reach the point of wanting to end their life. Not having someone to talk to - who could make all the difference - in some cases is the difference between life and death. I got asked to run for the Samaritans by a friend called George who lives locally and like me, is also a runner. George is a trained counsellor and is happy to give up his free time to sit by the phone and wait for people to call him, as they invariably do. Having the funds to be able to continue to do that and to help train others to do so, is all that George asks.</p>
<p>I can run marathons, hold spiders and climb up mountains but I really don't think I could do what he does. I'm always grateful for the support that people give me with my various annual challenges - last year it was of course overcoming my fear of spiders!! Please do give generosuly this time for such a worthy cause.</p>
<p>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the Samaritans and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</p>
<p>Thanks to all of you for your very welcome support!!</p>