The Samaritans of Guildford

Tramping across the North Downs in the middle of the night is hard work. But when it raises over £10,000, it makes the blisters worthwhile. As their contribution to 24:7, the Friends of Guildford Samaritans organised a sponsored 50 mile trek – to be completed within 24 hours.

Huddersfield Samaritans

Starting out with 24 balls of lime green wool and two knitting needles, they finished with a scarf the length of the town’s bus station – and a list of potential volunteers. ‘It was wonderful,’ said publicity officer Sheila. ’Little old ladies were coming up and taking the needles out of our hands, and in the pubs a stream of young men wanted to learn.’

The Samaritans of Isle of Wight

Plunging into the Solent at 5.20am is not for the fainthearted – even in July. Yet that’s what Branch Director Fran did to raise money on 24:7. Cheered on by friends, and accompanied by two boats, she swam from Colwell slipway to Hurst Castle and raised over £3,000.

The Harrow Branch of The Samaritans

Seventy-seven people literally walked over hot coals for Samaritans last year. ‘It was all about raising awareness,’ said Zoe from Peterborough. ‘We particularly wanted to target young people so I visited one of the town’s night spots to spread the word. We were so pleased when several of the customers turned up and asked about volunteering.’

Samaritans of Walsall and District

24:7 was a nightmare for Walsall – in the best possible way. The branch held a truly wicked sponsored netball game where all the players wore horror-themed fancy dress. Sue Fryer, member of the winning Gremlins team, got it right before the games when she said: ‘We’re definitely the scariest, most monstrous team in the game - the others haven’t got a ghost of a chance.’