In late May 2018, a 16 year old girl made her way to Eastbourne’s cliffs with the intent of never returning home. Sat on the edge, cold and scared, she phoned the Samaritans after seeing their number on a wooden sign near the path which ran along the cliff top. She phoned them, just so she could talk to a human being before she did it. A man called James picked up. He spoke with such compassion and empathy, and the girl began to think twice about making the final step. He didn’t judge or question, but instead just helped the girl feel safe in her most vulnerable moment. James bought enough time for the police to find her, in particular one officer who sat with the girl way into the early hours of the following morning, gently persuading her that although she couldn’t see it, there was hope.  Eventually, the girl stood up and walked away to safety with him. 

Without the Samaritans, the girl wouldn’t be here today. Her parents wouldn’t have their daughter, and her brother wouldn’t have his sister. And the girl would have missed out on so many of the experiences, memories and adventures which she went on to have. 

The girl was me, and from 24th July to 1st August, myself and my best friend Hope are walking 100 miles, finishing at those very cliffs I sat on 3 years ago. We’re raising money for Samaritans, so they can continue and build their life-saving service.