Every six seconds, Samaritans answer a call for help.

They are there, day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope and who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure.

I think that's an amazing thing - but it's something that needs our support to continue. 

Why am I doing this?

I've been supporting Samaritans for the last five years and am still awed by the organisation and the service it offers. Staffed almost entirely by volunteers, Samaritans ensures there's always someone there, to listen and really hear you. They answer over 5 million calls for help every year.

But offering a 24/7 service is expensive and individual donations are Samaritans biggest source of funding. I therefore wanted to take on a new challenge to help Samaritans raise those all important funds, so they can maintain and expand this amazing service.

I did my first fundraising marathon for Central London Samaritans in 2020 - and I'm so grateful for all the support I received then.

This year, I've decided to take it up a notch, and am taking part in another virtual marathon, and then a 350 mile cycle with fellow Samaritans volunteers from across the country, all in aid of my local branch, North London Samaritans.

This feels like quite a lot! And means I will spend the spring running and/or cycling every day in preparation,  but I want to push myself in aid of an organisation I really, truly believe in. And of course, I will be paying for my accommodation and subsistence costs while on the cycle, so everything you donate goes directly to Samaritans. 

So please, if you can, support me and far more importantly, support Samaritans and the service they provide. 

If you need someone to talk to, Samaritans are there for you too. Just call 116 123 (free in the UK) or email jo@samaritans.org.. You can find more information here:  www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

You can also find out more about the cycle and the team of Samaritans volunteers here: https://samsheritage.bike/

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.