Local Samaritans bring London Marathon to streets of Dunfermline

While thousands of runners take on the iconic 26.2 mile route on the streets of London on Sunday 21 April, Samaritans volunteers in local branches will also be doing their bit over the weekend of 20th and 21st April to turn town centres green – the Samaritans colour.

The suicide prevention charity is aiming to tackle the stigma around suicide, through its London Marathon partnership, by sharing stories of hope and encouraging the public to play a part in suicide prevention to help others to, ’Believe in tomorrow.’

Dunfermline Samaritans Branch Director, Claire Blanchflower said: “At a marathon we see people rally together to support their loved ones, knowing their support can help get them through it. Yet many people struggle with suicidal thoughts in silence. We are delighted that ON Fife have agreed to light up both Carnegie Hall and the Central Library in Dunfermline and the Adam Smith Theatre in Kirkcaldy that weekend in support of our charity’s message. Lighting up these iconic Fife buildings green for marathon day is a reminder that Samaritans are here for anyone who is struggling to cope 24/7, 365 days a year.’

Dunfermline Samaritans will also be present at the Dunfermline Parkrun on Saturday 20th April. Claire Blanchflower said, ‘ When we were asked by our Central Charity to do something in our local areas over the Marathon weekend, to help raise awareness, it seemed very appropriate to have a presence at the Parkrun which is now such a well-established event in the Glen every Saturday morning. We are extremely grateful to the Parkrun organisers’ for agreeing to have us along on the London Marathon Weekend.’

Samaritans is the only charity that is there for anyone struggling to cope that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year across the UK and Ireland. Samaritans volunteers spent over one million hours responding to calls for help last year and continue to be there around the clock for anyone who needs a listening ear. Anyone can contact Samaritans free of charge at any time on 116 123 or email [email protected]. To find out more about the Believe in Tomorrow campaign, please visit www.samaritans.org/tomorrow.