Fundraising stories

"I knew that one day I would like to do something meaningful in memory of Jess, but I didn't realise how long it would take for me to be able to cope mentally with the challenge of confronting my loss and raising funds at the same time. Two years after Jess passed away, I finally felt up to it, and I am so glad I did it.

There was only ever one cause I was going to support and that was Samaritans. They were there for Jess at her lowest point, and after talking to Jess about the support and care she felt from a volunteer, I understood for the first time how vital their work is.

Apart for a few rough days it all went swimmingly and I ended up swimming in 7 seas, covering 181 miles, and raising £2,765.

At the end of the challenge, joined by friends and family for my final swim, I felt like I was not the same person that had started the challenge - I met so many people and it helped me move on to the next stage of coming to terms with it all.

I feel humbled by the support I have received and would say to anyone thinking of taking on a challenge - get out there and do it - you won't look back and you will do something wonderful in helping these special people carry on supporting those that feel they have nobody to turn to.”

"After losing a close friend to a mental health disorder, and suffering with a mental health disorder myself, I wanted to do something to raise awareness and funds for mental health. The trek was incredibly challenging, even with 18 weeks of training under my belt. Getting to Base Camp after two weeks of trekking uphill was an amazing moment. To then summit Kala Patthar over 2000ft above Base Camp was the highlight of this expedition. Messages of support from friends and family kept me going. I'm so proud to have done this for Samaritans, and all the people that sponsored me for this great cause."

"It was such a great feeling to be able to give back in some way to an amazing charity which has helped so many people - including me. That was reward in itself. My audience empathised with the overall cause and it brought us all together for three incredible days.”