A keen cyclist from Brierley Hill will help keep a tandem rider company as she cycles from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise money and awareness for Samaritans.

Rachel Holley, a volunteer at Tunbridge Wells Samaritans, will cover a thousand miles, riding on the tandem with a different person each day and visiting 26 Samaritans branches on the way. She will be calling in at Brierley Hill Samaritans on Tuesday 15th May where volunteer, Dan, will help to provide the pedal power. Rachel said:

“The idea behind the tandem is that some challenges are too big to tackle by yourself, and it’s ok to ask for help. As a short, fat woman most at home curled up on a sofa, getting fit enough to cycle a thousand miles felt like a ludicrous impossibility.

"I’d never have managed to make myself do it on my own. But with help and support, I might just get there!”

Dan added: “I offered to support Rachel because I am a Listening Volunteer at Brierley Hill and want to help her raise funds and awareness of Samaritans and the services that we offer.”

“I will be riding 50 miles with her and look forward to supporting her challenge. We hope people will look out for us and consider sponsoring the ride,”

As a former Samaritans caller, Rachel hopes that the ride will encourage people to reach out for support, and consider volunteering. Samaritans relies on volunteers to provide their service, and are urgently recruiting in the Black Country area. 

If you are interested in volunteering, you can visit samaritans.org.