Swindon & District Samaritans is inviting supporters to run, jog or walk a marathon in their own time and at their own pace to fundraise for their branch.
Swindon & District Samaritans has launched ‘Samarathon’, a virtual marathon, encouraging supporters to run, jog or walk a marathon distance in their own time over the month of July.?
Swindon & District Samaritans want 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 Swindon & District residents to take on this marathon challenge at their own pace.
Susie Higgs, volunteer Branch Director at Swindon & District Samaritans?said:?“This is a great challenge you can do on your own, with members of your household, or join with friends, family and work mates virtually, supporting each other’s progress wherever you are.
“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 closing our shop in Curtis Street as well as 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 samarathon.samaritans.org and register to support Swindon & District Samaritans branch to take part in the challenge and to get active to boost their wellbeing, as well as be kind enough to raise valuable funds to ensure Samaritans can continue to deliver a critical service. There’s also the possibility of winning sporting goodies too if you raise £150 or more – not only could you fund over 30 calls for help, but you’ll be entered into a prize draw!
Swindon & District listening volunteer, Clair says: “I have been a Samaritan for over four years. The reason I chose to be a volunteer was that in 2015 a very valued member of the Swindon Town Girls team that I coached had passed away. Her name was Rhi and she had a massive personality in the team that was looked up to by so many of the girls.
"Rhi carried a donor card with her and her wonderful family made sure that her wishes were met when she passed away. From this Rhi saved three lives.
"So many people were devastated from the loss of Rhi especially her family. And from this I wanted to give something back and I felt Samaritans was the right thing for me.
"They gave me fantastic training and through my last four years my colleagues have been so supportive. I am doing this 26 miles in a month to help the Swindon & District branch and the great volunteers who give up their time to support people when they need it. If you would like to sponsor please go on the link for Clair Power: https://samarathon2020.everydayhero.com/uk/clair Thank you”
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