My Story

Too many lives are lost to suicide. 

Many of us have known someone who has taken their own life and said to ourselves, “I’d no idea… if only they had reached out”.

Over 7000 people in the UK take their own lives each year and the Samaritans are a safe, comforting voice when we need one most. The Samaritans reason for being is to help reduce this number, unfortunately many people don’t know they exist and to spread the word I have decided to walk to all the Samaritan branches in the UK and Ireland - again!

I say ‘again’ because I in 2019 I started my first 6000 mile. However, due to COVID, I finally completed my last mile in October 2021. To this day, it still surprises me the amount of people I met who’ve never heard of the Samaritans or what they do.

Over the next 12 months I’ll be visiting over 200 physical branches and raising awareness of the amazing work they do by being there for people, either by telephone, email, online chat and even by written letter.

Just because many of us don’t live near a Samaritans branch doesn’t mean help isn’t at hand, the Samaritans are there for all of us in our darkest moments. 24 hours a day, 7 day a week.

On my journey I’ll meet many local and national suicide awareness and support groups to say ‘thank you.

If I had one wish, it would be for everyone to know they are not alone in their moment of need.

Every journey we take in life has its challenges and out of these come some amazingly positive experiences and knowing that many of you will be inspired to donate gives me the strength and courage to complete this walk.

It would be amazing to raise £50,000 as every pound raised will make a difference. 

Thank you.

David.

£10 pays for a volunteer to be there when someone calls.

£25 helps train and support a listening volunteer for a year.

£680 keeps the FREE helpline open for an hour.

www.thelisteningwalk.com