Pendle branch volunteer, Margaret, steps up to the plate and takes on the 310,000 Steps in March fundraiser challenge
A huge thank you goes to listening volunteer, Margaret, as she went above and beyond her goal to walk 310,000 steps in Samaritans' March challenge.
The challenge of walking 310,000 steps was completed well beyond the finishing date of the 31st March, and helped to raise both awareness of Samaritans' services, and funds for Pendle branch.
Margaret, an avid walker, is always eager to combine her love of walking with her voluntary work at Samaritans.
Having previously taken on multiple walking challenges, such as our nationwide famous 'Samarathon', she completed last year's 310,000 steps in March challenge with a whopping 540,000 steps in total, racking up over 200 miles.
This year, however, gave new meaning to the word "challenging", when Margaret suffered a tragic personal loss.
Speaking about her motivation for this year's walk, Margaret said:
I decided to do this challenge again this year to celebrate the life of my son Duncan Wynne, who sadly passed away in October 2021 due to ill health. He would have celebrated his 53rd birthday on 25th of March this year, so this challenge was done in his memory. Samaritans are a big part of my life as i am a listening volunteer in my local branch 🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️💚
Margaret Turner
Not only have Margaret's efforts shown credit to her son, Duncan, but the walks have been helping her to process her grief, giving her a higher sense of purpose and boosting her well being.
Margaret has done both herself, her son and her branch proud, and we thank her for being a part of the Samaritans family.
Step by step, your help means we can be there for those who need us.
To fundraise or donate to Pendle Samaritans, please click here