One of our Bracknell Samaritans volunteers went above and beyond to not only fundraise for our local branch based in Bracknell, but to also tick a few challenges off of her own list as well.
Claire Banbury, one of the volunteers at the Bracknell, Wokingham, Ascot and Districts Branch wanted to do '30 things to do before you're 30!' Very high on her list was to run a half marathon for charity. Claire, 29, and her dad, Mark, 59, completed the Great Birmingham Run on 13th October. Such an amazing feat, as she hadn't run more than 5k before starting her training and Mark hadn't run since school. Together, they raised £2700 (including Gift Aid) for the branch.
Claire and Mark with their well deserved medals
Also on Claire's list was to donate her hair to a worthy cause. Earlier this year, she donated 10 inches to the Little Princess Charity, who make high quality wigs for children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment. In addition to to providing a free wig service, they also fund vital lifesaving research into childhood cancers.
Speaking about the money raised for the Bracknell Samaritans branch, the branch director, Chris Lindsay said "We are so proud of [Claire] and her dad, and very grateful to them both for raising funds for our branch. [Claire] has been a volunteer with us for 18 months and has made a huge impact via her work with the recruitment team and as branch lead for Health and Safety. Every penny raised will be used to help us meet our running costs so that our volunteers can continue to provide a safe place to talk around the clock for anyone in emotional distress".
Congratulation to both Claire and Mark on your amazing achievement!