Sophie's story

"Last year I was struggling with quite severe depression, I went through a dark patch where I couldn’t really see a way out of the black cloud of depression that just follows you around everywhere you go. I was ashamed, I felt weak and helpless so I reached out to Samaritans for a helping hand."

"When I first contacted Samaritans by email, it was the first stage of opening up about depression for me, I had tried to keep it this massive secret and I would pretend to family/friends and colleagues that I was fine but deep down I was screaming out for help. The pretending was exhausting, wearing a brave and happy face all day, everyday was making my life harder and harder. I believe that living takes courage, especially when you don’t want to. "

"I made a couple of calls throughout this time but I struggle with the ‘talking’ side of things so emailing was my most positive outlet, it was a relief to open up, it made me feel ‘normal’ and seeing the words in black/white in front of me gave them less of a negative impact on me. "

"My life has taken a major U turn in the last six to nine months, looking back at those months where I kept everything inside and didn’t speak up, it has shown me the importance of reaching out and asking for help, just having someone listen to you and be there for you has been lifesaving to me and I will be forever grateful to the Samaritans."

Running and Samaritans

"I run regularly about 20km (12 miles) a week so I plan to complete the Samarathon in about two weeks and then keep pushing and see how far I can manage in the month, and hopefully raise more money along the way. I tend to run alone as I like the headspace, so I plan to complete it solo! "

"I am a firm believer that exercise is good for mental health, when I was struggling with depression just getting out of bed or moving around the house seemed impossible, I felt completely wiped out and exhausted all the time so it can be really challenging when you are feeling low to exercise. I remember my sister coming to my house one day, she sat with me whilst I lay in bed, she made me a cup of tea and encouraged me to join her for a walk, she didn’t push me or force me to do anything but her encouragement was enough to help me get out the house for a little walk. "

"Now I am in a better frame of mind and running regularly (and further than I ever have), I love the buzz that I get when I come back home or complete a race or event. Nothing beats that feeling for me. When the endorphins are pumping through your body, it’s that feeling of being unstoppable and that you can achieve anything when you put your mind to it. My mantra is healthy body – healthy mind."

Sophie’s 95 Mile Challenge

"Separately from the Samarathon I am challenging myself to run 95 miles through competing in 12 events in the next 10 months to raise money for the Samaritans, it’s my biggest challenge yet!"

"With training every week the total number of miles will be well over 150+ miles, I wanted to challenge myself and really push myself as hopefully it will encourage more people to donate and that I can raise more money for the Samaritans!"