Volunteer to run 83 miles along Norfolk Coast in memory of sister, to support Norwich Samaritans and mark Samaritans’ 24/7 Campaign
A Norwich Samaritans volunteer will take on an extraordinary 83-mile run along the Norfolk Coast Path later this month to raise funds for the charity that has become such an important part of his life following the loss of his sister, while also helping to mark Samaritans’ 24/7 awareness campaign.
Paul Guille, aged 37, from Norwich, will run 83-miles along the Norfolk Coast Path from Hunstanton to Hopton on 24 July in aid of Norwich Samaritans. Through the challenge, Paul hopes to raise vital funds for the branch and highlight the importance of Samaritans being available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for anyone who is struggling.
Paul's Sister Bethany
While working in the United States, Paul received the devastating news that Bethany had taken her own life after living with emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), addiction and repeated hospital admissions. During the months that followed, he found that talking openly about his grief brought comfort and helped him process his loss.
Determined to support others experiencing emotional distress, Paul volunteered with HopeLine, a crisis helpline in Raleigh, North Carolina. After returning to the UK in 2022, one of the first things he did was sign up as a listening volunteer with Norwich Samaritans.
For the past three years, Paul has supported callers, responded to emails and online chats, and more recently joined the branch’s training team, helping prepare new volunteers for their own roles. Now he is taking on his biggest physical challenge yet.
A lifelong runner, Paul has completed a marathon every year since 2015, but his Norfolk Coast Path challenge will be his longest continuous run by a remarkable 47 miles. He has spent months preparing through strength training, swimming and hundreds of miles of running on Norfolk’s roads and trails.
“I’ll be running this challenge both to raise much-needed funds for a local charity that does incredible things and in memory of my sister, Bethany. I’ve chosen the date 24 July (24/7) as Samaritans are there at the end of the phone 24/7.”
“I know the challenge will be long, hard and lonely at times. But I truly feel that this will be nothing compared to the experiences of those who need Samaritans. If we can live in a world where people are willing to talk, perhaps there can be fewer stories like my sister’s.”
Paul Guille
Family and friends will support Paul throughout the day with food, encouragement and music. He plans to complete the first 40 miles alone before being joined by other runners for the final 43 miles to the finish at Hopton.
Funds raised will support Norwich Samaritans, whose volunteers provide confidential emotional support, day and night, to anyone struggling to cope.
Paul hopes his challenge will not only raise vital funds but also encourage more people to reach out when they need support and remind others that simply listening can change – and even save – lives.
Anyone wishing to sponsor Paul’s challenge can donate via his JustGiving page: