Hello all,

I'm currently training to run the York Marathon in October to raise money for the Samaritans (Harrogate).

Most people who know me, will know that I love to run. I have completed 1 marathon before but it was 6 years ago! So it's going to hurt but I'll get it done.

Samaritans is a charity which provides emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, and run a 24/7 service though a group of volunteers.

As someone who has experienced depression at multiple stages of my life from early teenage years upwards, and witnessed the impact on people close to me, I honestly can't value enough the opportunity to be able to speak to someone at any time and without judgement. These volunteers are life savers.

The Harrogate branch raises 100% of the funds that it takes to run the branch every year by themselves without any funding or support from the central Samaritans Charity or the Government. Any donation would be appreciated no matter how big or small. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.