Samaritans have opened a brand-new hub in Sevenoaks and are inviting supporters to run, jog or walk a marathon in their own time and at their own pace in the month of July. The ‘Samarathon’ will help to raise vital funds to ensure Samaritans can be there for anyone who needs them.
Sevenoaks Samaritans wants to motivate more people to get active to improve their mental wellbeing rather than focus on a single physical endurance challenge that requires participants to run 26.2 miles in one stretch. That’s why ‘Samarathon’ invites Sevenoaks residents to take on this marathon challenge at their own pace.
Samaritans director says “Now more than ever we know getting active works wonders for your mental wellbeing. Samarathon is a great goal to motivate people to go at that their own pace. Whatever your age or ability, it’s a challenge to do in your time, at your pace, wherever you live or work.
This fitness-fundraising initiative is focused on feeling good. We hope supporters will encourage their friends and family of all ages to take part as it’s an achievable challenge they can share and enjoy.”
“In this current climate we really need the public’s continued support. Due to the cancellation of many of our fundraising events, we’re facing a significant loss of funding, so we’re urging the public to help us ensure that we continue to be here for anyone who needs support. Its free to sign up to Samarathon, but we’d love for everyone to raise whatever they can to support their local branch of Samaritans and help us be there for anyone struggling to cope.”
Supporters can sign up for free at www.samaritans.org/samarathon to take part in the challenge that launches just days before the start of Mental Health Awareness Week. With this year’s theme of ‘kindness’, Samaritans is calling on people to be kind to themselves, to get active and boost their wellbeing, as well as be kind enough to raise valuable funds to ensure Samaritans can deliver a critical service. You can follow the Sevenoaks branch on twitter @Samssevenoaks for updates on the Samarathon and upcoming events.
Sevenoaks Samaritans recruitment volunteer, Jane Rigney is taking on the Samarathon this year, she says “I’m doing Samarathon to raise funds for Sevenoaks Samaritans – they are a new Samaritans hub, set up in 2019, so this is their first Samarathon. It’s amazing that Samaritans are there to listen to anyone who needs them, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and with a new hub, they’ll be able to take even more calls. I will be walking a few miles each day through the beautiful Kent countryside – and my dog will be wagging her tail at my side!”
• Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org.
• You can follow Samaritans on social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using the username @Samaritans.
