I am so excited to be taking part in London Marathon! I have applied every year since I got into running in 2018 so I was really excited (and nervous!) when I found out I'd got a place this year.

I wanted to represent a charity that was close to my heart as motivation to get out and train, and of course finish it on the day. The Samaritans are a wonderful charity and they have supported me during some of the down times in my life. 

I first reached out to the Samaritans during the breakdown of my first marriage and it was so reassuring to know that the person I was speaking to was someone who would listen to everything I said without any judgment. Whilst they don't tell you what you should do, it was a massive weight off my shoulders to share how I was feeling with someone. 

Their amazing volunteers are there to listen to anyone who is struggling and there is no judgment. It is a completely free service and you can speak to them over the phone or by email. It truly is a lifeline for some people. 

Knowing how much they had helped me before, I reached out to them again at the end of 2020 when I was going through a really rough time at work and didn't know where else to turn. It is so easy when you are in the midst of a difficult situation to feel there is no way out but talking it through with someone can really help you to see things differently. 

It means so much to me that I can raise money for such an amazing charity, and raise awareness of mental health at the same time. With mental health issues on the rise, and waiting lists being longer than ever before, it is so important that the Samaritans are able to continue being there for people in their time of need and they can only do this through fundraising.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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.