Residents invited to get behind 2020 'Samarathon'

Samaritans is hoping residents can get behind an active initiative next month to help support the work it does for people across the Island.

The organisation is inviting people of all ages and abilities to take part in the 'Samarathon' - where people can walk, jog or run 26.2 miles over the 31 days of July to help generate vital funds for the charity.

Offering 24/7 support all-year round, the charity helps those who're struggling to cope or need someone to listen, providing confidential and judgement-free emotional support and has continued to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Samaritans Branch Director, Gary Leeming, says they're not asking anyone to complete it in one go, adding it can be done over July as a leisurely stroll with friends or family or as a jog at a safe distance.

Those interested in taking part are asked to visit samarathon.samaritans.org - and to search for 'Isle of Man' when registering to make sure any funds put forward go directly to the Manx branch.

£5 could fund one call and the Samarathon individual fundraising target of £150 could fund 31 calls or help train and support three Samaritan volunteers for a year.

Meanwhile, the charity is reminding people it remains open to help anyone needing its services over the phone for free on 116 123 or by e-mail to jo@samaritans.org.