My Story

As many of you are aware the last few years have been a desperate challenge on many fronts for myself.  Around 6 years ago, following a particularly horrible time, I planned to end my life as I saw myself as a burden and pain causer for many. I believed that me 'not being around' would be a blessing to everyone else. I am here today due to a partnership between my cat and a Samaritans volunteer.

I did a lot of research on how to end my life.  On a particular evening I got everything ready. My 'tools' of tablets and alcohol and carefully written letters to those I loved were arranged around me in a neat orderly pattern. As I stated to carry out my plan Todd, my cat, starting to growl a noise I'd never heard before. He sat on a carrier bag and swiped away the boxes of tablets while hissing and growling at me. The sound of his growl was so deep and fierce that it kind of shocked me out of a trance and I realised I needed help.

I rang the Samaritans. A man called Adrian answered and he listened to me for around an hour. As he gently asked me questions I came to realise that ending my life wasn't what I really wanted to do. I started to see how this would just transfer more pain onto those I loved rather than relieve it. With Adrian's support I was able to phone my doctor who immediately referred me. To the local hospital where I was met by a member of the mental health crisis team. 

I'm  running this race as a thank you to the Samaritans for the real life changing support that they give.

I know 100% that if I had not phoned Samaritans on that evening that I would not be here today. I am so so glad that this is the case. Even though I still live with the challenge of the past I am incredibly thankful and profoundly aware of how fortunate I am to have a special family and group of friends who both love and support me. I am so glad I've been around to experience all the exciting stuff with those friends and family that mean so much to me  

The Medway branch of Samaritans need both money and volunteers to listen (why not check volunteering out through the website). 

I will be running the 10k race at Chatham Maritime at St Mary's Island on 9th November. As I run which I think will be my last 10k (my 60 year old knees start to creak and ache after 5k and I was on crutches for a few days after my last 10k) please could you be generous and sponsor me for funds that my local branch desperately needs. Anything you give will help pay the bills for running the centre to enable volunteers  to continue to take calls.  

Thank you for reading this far and thank you for your generous donation.