At this year's TCS London Marathon, Sevenoaks Samaritans volunteers have made an incredible effort to help raise money with their running shoes and support the amazing individuals racing.
Mark and Emma: Fundraising champions!
Our listening volunteer Mark and his wife Emma ran the Marathon as two of the 500 runners raising funds for Central Samaritans. They raised a huge figure of £7266, which puts them in the top ten Samaritans fundraisers.
They also hosted a charity curry night which raised nearly £600 for Sevenoaks Samaritans.
This is an amazing achievement (alongside completing the 26.2 miles!) and we want to both congratulate and thank Mark and Emma for their fantastic efforts!
Mark and Emma, on their way to and running the London Marathon.
Samaritans supporters shine!
Four of our volunteers, Elizabeth, Sue, Vicki, and Dave, traveled up to London to spend their day manning some of the 13 Emotional Support Gazebos and cheering stations dotted around the Marathon’s course.
It was fantastic to be involved in such an uplifting event. We were there as part of the Central Samaritans Team to provide emotional support to those needing it, cheer the runners and generally spread the word about Samaritans. It was a great day volunteering and meeting with Samaritans from all over the country.
Dave
Elizabeth, Sue, Vicki, and Dave at Emotional Support Gazebos & cheering stations at the London Marathon.
There was also a very early start for many of our volunteers, who gave Marathon runners and their supporters a super send off on Sunday Morning.
Sevenoaks Samaritans volunteers showing their support for London Marathon runners at the station.
To Dave, Vicki, Sue, Elizabeth, and all the Sevenoaks Samaritan volunteers who gave their support, thank you!
Park Run Personal Bests!
Thank you to all the volunteers for raising our profile at the Tonbridge Park Run the day before the Marathon. Here they are, pictured with Dame Kelly Holmes, a Samaritan’s Ambassador, enjoying those post-run endorphins!
Sevenoaks Samaritan volunteers after the Tonbridge Park Run, with Dame Kelly Holmes.