Hello and thank you for visiting my page.  

I am raising money for the Samaritans, which is a UK based charity that seeks to provide confidential support for those that are experiencing feelings of distress, despair or suicidal thoughts.  It does this through helpline services, reaching out to high risk groups in communities, working with other organisations and services, and influencing public policy.

I will be attempting the 6 day 150 mile run challenge of the Marathon des Sables in desert sand conditions for the fund raise. Daily mileages range up to c. 52 miles in 50 degree + conditions.

Here are just three quick facts that I have picked out that frame the context for the compelling area of charitable work that the Samaritans do:

- Feelings of distress and despair are very common in our society and it is perfectly possible, if not likely, that some of your closest friends are affected. We can all provide some succour by being vigilant and providing an open door and listening ear, but of course the work of skilled trained volunteers is absolutely paramount

-  Around 6,000 people per annum take their own lives in the UK. That's almost 3.5 times more than all of the deaths on public roads

-  Suicide amongst any gender is a tragedy but currently male suicide rates are in excess of four times higher than female. The most recent stats show the greatest gender gulf on record. In the last 30 years females rates have halved: male suicides have gone up 11%. This imbalance is poorly understood and often, perhaps glibly, attributed to a reduced inability to express and share problems.

Your donation could make a real difference, from helping to provide that crucial lifeline when someone is very low, to improving our understanding and influencing a policy response to attack growing rates. 

Thank you for your time!

Gareth

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