Samaritans and the work that they do mean a huge amount to both of us. Unfortunately in recent years we have had family or close friends affected by mental health issues and suicide. Liam has especially been touched this year with the loss of a very close friend and work colleague at Dormers Wells High School. One in four people will suffer from mental health issues at some point in their life and sometimes a safe place to talk can make a huge difference. Samaritans play a really important roll everyday to help others when they need it the most. 

As those that know us well will realise running is not either of our strong points. At the start of our journey in October last year neither of us could run to the end of the road. We initially worked extremely hard to complete the couch to 5K running programme and have subsequently, and very gradually, built up our running ability over the last four months. Over the last six months we have run three times a week without fail and have been out in rain, wind, sunshine and the lovely snow. We were proud to have completed a 12 mile run last week, as well as two 10k runs in Osterley Park and Dorney Lake and we have entered a half marathon at Hampton Court Palace on Sunday, 18th March as part of our journey. If you had asked us whether any of this was possible six months ago we would have laughed with you....

Part of the reason why we haven't made this page live before now is due to our own self-doubt on whether we could get anywhere close to completing a half marathon, let alone a marathon. With a lot of hard work we are closer to our goal. Neither of us are expecting to run exciting times and have only got the goal of finishing the marathon but we are doing our upmost to try and make sure that happens. Please only give what you can to support those who need supporting at the lowest points in their lives. 

For more information on the work of Samaritans please have a look at the following link:

https://www.samaritans.org/