Suicide Prevention Month has drawn to a close with the Isle of Man Samaritans welcoming two people who have gone to extraordinary lengths to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.
Manx mental health social media influencer Sid Batty completed his 300-mile running challenge on Saturday, arriving at the Bee Gees statue on Douglas Promenade to be welcomed by Samaritans volunteers, supporters, friends and family.
Sid from Onchan, who undertook the challenge to raise awareness of mental health and support the charity, raised £20,000 for Samaritans in only three weeks.
He said: ‘It was completely surreal, especially considering it was in three weeks.
‘I had no idea how much money I would raise, I just knew it would help people. Something I can definitely be proud of.’
Starting the run in London, where he now lives, Sid said finishing on the island where he grew up was a ‘very full circle moment’.
‘I knew after starting in London, I wanted the finish point to be back at “home”, with my family,’ he said.
The weekend also saw Samaritans Isle of Man welcome David Island, MBE, as part of his 6,300-mile Listening Walk, which is taking him to all 200 Samaritans branches across Great Britain and the islands.
David, who is undertaking the walk for a second time, said the idea came from hearing about a Samaritans volunteer visiting branches by motorbike.
He said: ‘I wanted to do something that would bring all the branches together and also to raise the awareness of the charity and reduce the number of suicides.’
The journey has seen David walk between 15 and 24 miles every day, with the physical demands compounded by weather and long periods spent alone.
Reflecting on reaching the island, he said: ‘The Isle of Man is a very special place. I’m always made to feel so welcome by the volunteers.’
Both journeys have helped highlight Samaritans’ message that conversations, listening and simply acknowledging someone can make a difference.
