Please visit https://www.samaritans.org/branches/bracknell
Two personal achievements were reached at the Samaritans Run, the major fundraising event of the year for the Samaritans of Bracknell, Wokingham, Ascot & Districts.
It was the 40th anniversary of the event, a 5K and 10K circuit at Easthampstead Park Community School, Bracknell (on 26th June 2022). Unable to hold the events for the past two years owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, the branch was delighted to have good weather for the return of the event in the branch’s 50th year. More than 400 runners participated, including 90 children who enjoyed the Teddy Bear Race.
Amber, aged 12, from Wokingham and a pupil at the Holt School, won her first trophy, the winner’s trophy for the under-16 girls.
Her mother Charlotte said: “Thank you for hosting the event and all the wonderful work you as Samaritans do. We all loved the event last weekend. My husband, my three children and I all ran the 5k”.
It was especially poignant for her family, as her mother Mary Batley always enjoyed this event and won the over-60s trophy in 2019 but Mary died in May this year.
Meanwhile, John Shepherd, from Bracknell, a long-standing supporter of the branch and the Run, completed his 30th run, wearing the Number One bib. He has been a keen runner for many years and for a long time was involved in organising the event. John said:
“I’m now 78, so I was very pleased to complete the 10k. My inspiration for running was when I was 22 and living and working in London. In the park where I ran, there was a man who was still doing excellent runs at 89. So I have been running now in events since 1961.”
John was presented with a lifetime achievement award for services to the popular event.
Jackie Holland, Run organiser, said: “It's great to be back! And, once again, we've had some great feedback from participants who enjoyed our family-friendly event. We would like to thank everyone involved in helping us put on the event, including all our volunteers, supporters and sponsors. We have raised just over £10,000, which is a fantastic achievement and important for the branch, as it costs around £25,000 a year to run.”
Samaritans has around 22,000 volunteers who are available around the clock, 365 days a year.
Anyone can contact Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit, or you can email jo@samaritans.org