The Ware branch of Samaritans was founded in 1968 and now has over 170 volunteers on the frontline, answering calls from people who need someone to listen. The 24 hour service is there for anyone to use, and for 1 in 5 calls to talk about their suicidal feelings. They answer over 2500 calls a month as well as speaking to callers via online chat. This is an independent charity and as such they have to raise funds themselves to run the branch by fundraising, grants and donations.

The Ware branch the local branch to my home town and I know personally how much the volunteers willingly give to make sure that they can be at the end of the line, including getting up in the middle of the night to go to the centre when most services are closed. Like all charities, they are finding the fundraising climate challenging so if you can support me in supporting them I would be really grateful.

The Manchester marathon will be my first full marathon and I'm glad to be able to run it for such a great cause. The work that these volunteers do, day and night, is vital and I believe that they deserve support.