My Story

On 20th April 2025 it was 50 years since my father, Christopher West, committed suicide after several failed attempts and many difficult years for him and for my mother. I was five years old at the time and my brother was three. During this period, my mother contacted the Samaritans on several occasions for support. 

So, at the age of 55 myself, I'm running the London Marathon this Sunday, 27th April, as a way of remembering my dad (pictured on the left) - and to help raise money for the Samaritans so they can continue to be there, day and night, for anyone who's struggling to cope. 

The training has been going well - I've been running 10k races with my three kids (main photo above), swimming several times a week, and I'm 20 kilos lighter than I was when it all started. I'm never going to be fast - but I am determined to finish!

I would be really thrilled if you would like to support my fundraising efforts. Every pound raised could help train more volunteers, answer more calls for help and, ultimately, save lives. I'm running to show millions of people that no matter what they're facing, there is somebody there who will face it with them. 

As the Samaritans say: We Believe in Tomorrow and together we can save lives.

Thanks for your support!