We said we’d never do it again…but here are! We’ve signed up to do the Winter Walk Ultra Challenge this January – on the 29^th we will be walking 26 miles/42km for North London Samaritans.

North London Samaritans is an independent self-funded charity, run entirely by volunteers - providing emotional support 24 hours a day to people experiencing anxiety, distress, or suicidal feelings. We both wanted to raise money for a mental health charity and here is why…

Athina: 

Six years ago I lost someone very close to me to suicide. I've always faced my own challenges with maintaining positive wellbeing, being diagnosed with OCD in my early 20s, but it's safe to say that six years ago my awareness, appreciation and passion for mental health grew. It made clear that organisations such as North London Samaritans are an absolute necessity in saving the lives and loves of people.

Andrea: 

I have struggled with my mental health, especially anxiety, ever since I can remember, for a long time feeling suicidal and though there was no one who could understand or to turn to. Supporting and raising awareness for charities like North London Samaritans is so important to me, as I know having an empathetic and non-judgemental person to listen to you can mean so much to so many, and can be what gets you through another day.