Lonely journey raises £3k for Samaritans

A FATHER of three who experienced loneliness while working abroad has raised over £3,000 for the Samaritans following a marathon bike ride to raise awareness of the condition, which can cause emotional despair and suicide.
Steve Jackson, aged 51, has successfully cycled solo from Lands End to John o’Groats.
He suffered loneliness 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.
Impressed with the support he received he became a volunteer and more recently a director of the charity.
Steve, from Grappenhall Heys, Warrington, said: “The ride has confirmed to me that Loneliness is a growing issue in our society. I met so many great people doing wonderful things and all seemed to agree that it all needs some kind of co-ordination to be more effective.”
The ride has currently raised over £3k which is just enough to complete major ground floor building works which will improve public access at the Samaritan’s office in Warrington.
Steve added “We are working with Warrington Collegiate on other works such as decorating the branch and repairing some of the external brick work.
“I would also like to thank all those who have sponsored me.
He said the charity was always looking for Volunteers to act both as Listeners but also to help the running the branch and anyone interested should email [email protected]
For more information visit Steve’s blog lonelinessmatters.blogspot.com
Donations can be made at https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/lonelinessmatters