For 35-year-old Allestree dad Sam, the journey through the streets of London this weekend is about far more than a personal best. Taking on his first-ever full marathon, Sam is pounding the pavement with a vital message: talking saves lives. Every mile he tackles is dedicated to raising crucial funds for the Derby and District Samaritans, ensuring that local support is always just a phone call away for those in need.
While the physical challenge is immense, Sam’s "finish line fuel" is deeply personal. Waiting for him at the end of the gruelling 26.2-mile course will be his wife, Bethan, and their six-month-old son, Stanley, along with other family members. It is this image of family and the hope of a healthier, more open community that will keep him moving when the 'marathon wall' hits.
“I can’t really claim to being a runner. I’ve played sports competitively my whole life, football, cricket, padel, squash, badminton… pretty much anything,” Sam said. “I retired from football with an injury five years ago and decided doing a marathon would be a good life achievement so I entered the ballot for London. I’d only ever run two half marathons before; this will be a challenge.”
Sam admits that the training has been tough. He started running last summer to get some miles into his legs to avoid injury. 5k, 10k and half marathons have been an important part of Sam’s training. “Bethan has been really supportive as despite having a newborn baby added to our family during this time I’ve been out running. I’m very competitive and always looking to improve my time. I guess she’ll be pleased when Sunday is over when I’ll be there to help out a bit more. However, the cricket season is here…” adds Sam.
In addition to running the London Marathon as a personal challenge, Sam is raising money for Derby Samaritans but also wishes to promote the message that suicide is preventable. “My Mum is a listening volunteer with Derby Samaritans and absolutely loves it. Listening and supporting callers gives her a real sense of purpose and achievement. The Derby Branch has to raise £40,000 a year to keep it running. They’re all volunteers so every penny will make a real difference,” says Sam.
Sam went on to say: “I was shocked to learn that the suicide rates in Derby and Derbyshire is above the national average. Men are a high risk group. So, if I can also get across the message that talking can help, it will all have been worthwhile. Reaching out to someone could help them know that they are valued and someone cares. A simple message can mean a lot to someone who is going through a difficult time and if only they can be encouraged to talk the outcome may be different. Calling the Samaritans on 116 123 may turn a life around.”
Derby branch director Stephanie Taylor said: “Running the London Marathon to raise funds for our busy Derby Branch is something we really appreciate. It’ll take up a lot of Sam’s day and the funds he raises will help us to continue to offer our service to many distressed and despairing callers. Our volunteers give up their time every day of the year at all hours of the day and night so that we can be there to listen when no one else is. Support from people like Sam to keep us going means a great deal.”
How you can support Sam's fundraiser
You can support Sam's London Marathon by clicking on this link. Samaritans' volunteers are available round-the-clock to listen and support people. They won’t judge or tell you what to do. Anyone in crisis 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 visit www.samaritans.org. Samaritans is a charity and it’s the public’s kind donations and around 23,000 volunteers, that mean we are always there for anyone struggling to cope. Find out how you can support us or volunteer with us.
