Hello 

If the name of the page doesn't give it away I am running the London Landmarks Half Marathon on the 2nd April 2023 and I will be raising money for Samaritans. 

The Samaritans are a charity that is very close to my heart for so many reasons. From the age of 17 I was diagnosed with depression, which like many others, took me to some very dark places. During this time I felt completely isolated from friends and family and felt ashamed to tell those closest to me how I was really feeling, so I found myself calling Samaritans. I am not sure I will ever find the words to express my gratitude to the volunteers that listened to me, but to put it bluntly I genuinely do not know where I would be without them. 

In fact, it is their support and kindness that lead me to become a volunteer myself, and to this day it has been one of the most life changing and humbling experiences and I will remember some of those calls for the rest of my life. 

Unfortunately, I am not able to volunteer anymore, so instead I am asking you to support me while I (stupidly) run...well jog a half marathon to raise money which will hopefully help so many more people through their darkest and most vulnerable times by keeping branches and phone lines opened and staffed 24/7. 

Obviously, the main reason for this run is to raise money for Samaritans, but I also want to use it to honour those people who weren't able to find their way out the darkness, and to remind myself to be grateful for the fact I'm still here!  

If you have read this far, thank you, and please know that I am so grateful for any donation you are able to give!

Love, Martha 

💚