I’m well on the north side of 50 and have spent a lot of that time having a lot of fun but being quite hard on my body.

So to keep me on the straight and narrow of a heathier lifestyle I needed a goal.

I know myself well enough to understand that without a goal I won’t be “all in”.

What better goal than a marathon. Not just any one, the London Marathon.

A great friend of mine who is Samaritans volunteer suggested I run for Inner South West London Samaritans.

What better way to do myself some good than to raise money for such a worthy cause.

The oh shit moment came when Samaritans said they would have me on their team. I’m committed now.

So please, I don’t mind if you want to give to a worthy cause, or just want to see me find my pain barrier, all donations welcome and appreciated

Inner South West London Samaritans is one of the 206 branches of the Samaritans - a national volunteer-led organisation that provides support to people in distress, including those at risk of suicide. The service is available 24/7 and free of charge, via 116 123. 

The Inner South West London branch has a base in Putney and the area they cover, includes a large  part of South London, from  Richmond to Balham, down to Wimbledon and Tooting. 

The branch currently has around 130 trained listening volunteers, who support people who contact the helpline by telephone, email or web chat. Getting a response from a real person and being given the time and space to talk things through helps people to explore their options and find a way through their problems.  Your donation will help the branch to continue to deliver this service - in branch but also through outreach work in settings like schools, prisons and food banks.