A FATHER of three who experienced loneliness while working abroad is embarking on a marathon bike ride today (Saturday) to raise awareness of the condition, which can cause emotional despair and suicide.
Steve Jackson, aged 51, suffered first hand while working in South Africa as a Senior executive with the Standard Bank – and became so isolated he had to leave his job and seek advice and support from the Samaritans.
He was so impressed with the support he received he has now become a volunteer and helping raise funds for the charity from his sponsored solo Lands End to John o’Groats bike ride.
Steve, from Grappenhall Heys, Warrington said: “As a recent volunteer to “The Samaritans” it has become clear to me that a root cause to suicide and emotional despair is a feeling of isolation and loneliness. Having no-one providing unconditional support when you need it most.
“This feeling can come about for many reasons such as illness, old age, bereavement, abuse etc but the result whilst personally unique is the same, that of feeling of being isolated and alone.
“While I worked in South Africa I found myself very lonely, going back to an empty flat every night after work. It was not the same seeing my wife and family via Skype and things got worse and worse with each passing day. I eventually had to give up my job to return home.”
Now he is embarking on an unsupported cycle ride covering a distance of about 1000 miles covering between 60 to 80 miles a day.
“This is a significant event for me, partly because I am the wrong side of 50 but also because this subject is very close to my heart both due to a personal experience and also because of what it will mean to those we support.
His journey starts on April 26 hopefully ending in John o’Groats on Friday, May 10 .
Anyone wishing to donate can do so at: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/lonelinessmatters
All donations will go directly to support The Samaritans of Warrington, Halton and St Helens to improve the public and disabled access to thier building so that we can use it as a centre for pro-active reach out programmes focused on supporting those who need the service.
The Samaritans is a national charity supporting those who are suicidal or in emotional despair. They operate all year round 24 hours a day and can be contacted by phone, email or by a face to face visit.
The local branch which is seeking volunteers, is based near Warrington Bank Quay Station and contact details can be found at www.samaritans.org
Dad embarks on lonely journey for Samaritans
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
