Lou takes on the London Marathon for Samaritans!

Thank you for taking the time to visit my GoFundMe page where you can donate in USD ($)

If you would like to donate in EUR (€) please visit my iDonate fundraising page - https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/lou4samaritanslondonmarathon

If you would like to donate in GBP(£) please visit my Enthuse fundraising page - https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/louise-hamra

I'm #TeamSamaritans!

I've been chosen to run the 2024 TCS London Marathon as part of #TeamSamaritans, the official Charity of the Year, to show millions of people that no matter what they're facing, a Samaritans is always there to face it with them.

All funds raised will go directly to helping train more volunteers, answer more calls for help, and ultimately save lives.

Having been a Samaritans Ireland staff member since 2019 I can whole-heartedly say - joining Samaritans changed my life. After immigrating to Ireland in 2018, it wasn't until I joined Samaritans that I really found my life here. Staff and volunteers have taught me more than I could have ever anticipated with the active listening and support skills transforming relationships in my every day life. Experiencing personally challenging periods of life over the past few years, and having many family members and close friends with lifelong mental health struggles, I know there is nothing more important than having someone just on the other end of a phone ready and willing to listen at any time. Samaritans has been a lifeline for many, but there are also those who live outside Samaritans’ remit who I wish everyday could ring 116 123 as I know the difference it would make, but instead hope the skills I've learned as staff are enough to support them at times when they need a listening ear.

It is an honour and privilege to be part of #TeamSamaritans - now I'm off for a run!

We believe in tomorrow and together we can save lives.

About Samaritans

Every 10 seconds, a Samaritan in the UK or Ireland responds to a call for help.

We’re here, day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure.

Samaritans is not only for the moment of crisis, we’re taking action to prevent the crisis.

We give people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others. And we encourage, promote and celebrate those moments of connection between people that can save lives.

We offer listening and support to people and communities in times of need.

In prisons, schools, hospitals and on the rail network, Samaritans are working with people who are going through a difficult time and training others to do the same.

Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy, and Samaritans’ vision is that fewer people die by suicide.

That’s why we work tirelessly to reach more people and make suicide prevention a priority.

"I don't want you to save my life, I want you to stand beside me while I save my own." - Samaritans Caller