Samaritans has launched ‘Samarathon’, a virtual marathon, as an exciting fundraising initiative that encourages supporters to run, jog or walk a marathon distance in their own time over the month of July.
This local branch of Samaritans wants to motivate more people to get active to improve their mental wellbeing, rather than focus on a single physical endurance challenge that requires participants to run 26.2 miles in one stretch. That’s why ‘Samarathon’ invites Brighton Hove and District residents to take on this marathon challenge at their own pace. “We don’t know how long we’ll be observing social distancing and Government guidance on daily exercise,” said Branch Director Susie McGowan at Brighton Hove and District Samaritans. “This is a challenge you can do on your own, with members of your household, or join with friends, family and work mates virtually, supporting each other’s progress wherever you are.
“Now more than ever we know getting active works wonders for your mental wellbeing. Samarathon is a great goal to motivate people to go at that their own pace. Whatever your age or ability, it’s a challenge to do in your time, at your pace, wherever you live or work. This fitness-fundraising initiative is focused on feeling good. We hope supporters will encourage their friends and family of all ages to take part as it’s an achievable challenge they can share and enjoy.”
Supporters can sign up for free at www.samaritans.org/samarathon to take part in the challenge that launched just days before the start of Mental Health Awareness Week. With this year’s theme of ‘kindness’, Samaritans is calling on people to be kind to themselves, to get active and boost their wellbeing, as well as be kind enough to raise valuable funds to ensure Samaritans can deliver a critical service.
“In this current climate we really need the public’s continued support,” continued McGowan. “Due to the cancellation of many of our fundraising events, we’re facing a significant loss of funding, so we’re urging the public to help us ensure that we continue to be here for anyone who needs support. Its free to sign up to Samarathon, but we’d love for everyone to raise whatever they can to support their local branch of Samaritans and help us be there for anyone struggling to cope.”
Brighton Hove and District Samaritan team page features individuals who have chosen to take part www.samarathon2020.everydayhero.com/uk/team-brighton-hove Here you can find out what has inspired them to take part.
For more details about the work of the Samaritans, visit: www.samaritans.org
