A national broadcast treasure keeping pace with a double Olympic athlete at a running track might be an unexpected sight but that’s what happened as Rylan and Dame Kelly Holmes MBE (mil) both dashed for the chance to head up the Support Squad for Team Samaritans, the official charity of the year at the 2024 TCS London Marathon.
With less than 10 days to go until the famous race across the capital, award-winning television presenter, radio DJ, podcaster and number one bestselling author, Rylan, teamed up with the award-winning athlete to cheer on runners who are all raising money for the suicide prevention charity by taking part in this legendary test of endurance.
Known amongst many participants as the most supportive marathon in the world, the encouraging cheers of the crowds at the TCS London Marathon can help runners keep going when they are struggling. Samaritans’ Believe in Tomorrow campaign aims to remind the public that, just like their support on race day, we can all support others who are struggling in silence and play a part in preventing suicide by doing so.
United by a shared passion to help Samaritans continue to save lives, Rylan and Kelly met with runners at a community outdoor running track for a fun photoshoot to show their support and give the fundraisers a last-minute boost of motivation before they prepare to cross Sunday’s finish line.
Samaritans recently revealed that while 1 in 5 of us experience suicidal thoughts, talking about it is still a taboo in society and prevents people from getting the support they need. By bravely sharing their own experiences with suicidal thoughts in the past, both Rylan and Kelly are powerful examples of breaking down this stigma to help both themselves and others.
Rylan said: “I’m really proud to be supporting Samaritans, and be a cheerleader for this year’s London Marathon runners who are raising money for this incredible charity. The fact that Samaritans is able to respond to calls for help and be there for absolutely anyone who is struggling, to listen to them without judgement and offer their support at any time of day, every day of the year is amazing. Good luck to all the runners – I’ll be cheering from the sidelines!”
Dame Kelly Holmes MBE (mil) said: “I think it’s so important to highlight the work of Samaritans. There are so many people who are struggling and need support – nobody knows when they might need someone to talk to and have someone listen. The amazing runners will raise vital funds to make sure Samaritans will continue to be there to save more lives.”
Andy Baines-Vosper, London Marathon runner and Samaritans volunteer, added: “It was such an honour to have icons Rylan and Kelly Holmes take the time to show their support for all the runners taking on the marathon for Samaritans. I’m running with a 24.7kg bag, as Samaritans is open 24/7, and to symbolise the weight that feeling suicidal can have on someone and seeing Rylan and Kelly carry it today perfectly demonstrates how we can all help one another share the load by checking in and offering support to someone who might need it.”
To donate to Samaritans, please visit https://www.samaritans.org/believe-2024/
Samaritans’ Believe in Tomorrow campaign provides resources to support conversations around suicide including tips on listening, conversation starters as well as stories of hope and a campaign film. To find out more, please visit www.samaritans.org/tomorrow
Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, 24/7, on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org