A big part of me deciding to take the plunge now is due to my involvement with Putney Samaritans. Since early 2008, I've had the privilege of being one of the 100+ helpline volunteers at Putney who take calls from people in distress, despair or who are feeling that they can't continue. Me spending a few hours a week on the helpline has helped me realise how lucky I am but it has also made me appreciate what an important service Samaritans is to so many people.
Samaritans is well known as a resource for those with suicidal feelings but this isn't its sole purpose. We spend a great deal of time listening to people, often youngsters, who feel upset, confused, isolated or lonely, comforting those who've lost someone close to them or providing a sounding board for people who've lost their jobs and don't know where to turn in order to pay their bills. It is an incredible charity, open 24/7 with 17,000 volunteers in 201 branches around the . Whether or not you have done, chances are that someone you know has, at some point, turned to Samaritans for confidential, non-judgemental emotional support.
You may think that as a relatively fit and active young lad, running a marathon should be fairly straightforward but let me put you right. This has taken over my life for several months and is going to be an incredible challenge. I've done half-marathons where I couldn't have taken another step by the end so double the distance is a hugely daunting prospect. I'll be aiming to complete 26 miles in under four hours so will appreciate every ounce of emotional support over the coming months and I promise you that Samaritans, and those who use their helplines, will appreciate every bit of financial support you can offer.
I absolutely won't ever be running a marathon again so please give as generously as you can afford to. Hopefully you agree that it's a great cause.
Thank you,
Chris
PS. As you probably know, if you’re a taxpayer Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation. However, if you'd prefer to sponsor me with cash or a cheque, please just let me know and I'll be happy to arrange.
Update 8 Feb: Up to 17 miles now so training is going well. Am largely blister- and injury-free and have enjoyed rediscovering all those tunes on my Ipod which I'd not listened to in years. Hadn't quite appreciated just how all-consuming the training is mind. Lots of 5.30am alarm calls and nights in rather than out, which is probably no bad thing! Thank you to those who have donated so far.
Update 4 Apr: Nailed 20 miles on Good Friday so am easing down over the next few weeks before the big day. Get 25 April in your diary and come along. Thanks again for all the support.
