Oxford residents Séan Masterson and Clarice Pertel are running their first ever marathon at the London Marathon to raise money for Oxford Samaritans.
Séan (right)
Séan is a deputy head at Greyfriars Catholic school, where St Edmunds house has chosen to raise money for Oxford Samaritans.
“The long weekend run after a week at work is the most challenging part of training, but I’m motivated by the thought of helping others in the community. Oxford Samaritans is a listening ear when darkness descends, and a hope of a better future. Oxford Samaritans help by listening and having the human connection in a person’s hour of need.”
Séan
Clarice
Clarice is a master’s student at the University of Oxford studying maths and computer science. Originally from Boston she has grown up watching the Boston marathon and is excited to take part in one herself.
Training is going well, and my favourite part has been getting to know Oxford in the mornings. Oxford Samaritans’ work is invaluable, and directly impacts the community I am now a part of since moving to England. Oxford Samaritans volunteers are available to listen to anyone who might be going through a difficult time, struggling to cope, or experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Clarice
We are incredibly grateful for the money Séan and Clarice are raising alongside our other marathon runners. The Oxford Samaritans branch is run entirely by volunteers and is open 24/7, every day of the year. £5 can fund a call; a conversation that could save a life. £200 trains a new volunteer to build the skills they need to be there for someone struggling to cope.
Viv Hemming, director of Oxford Samaritans
Other runners include: Phil Swarbrick, Alisdar Pettigrew and Joshua Bullen.