Wolverhampton train worker is on track for London Marathon charity run

A Wolverhampton train worker who took up keep fit to help improve her mental health is on track to raise almost £3,000 by running in the London Marathon. Due to struggling with depression 34-year-old Avanti West Coast the train planner did a fitness challenge, then running and baseball. But on Sunday(27) the fruits of her labour will be paying off when she gets on her marks for her first ever marathon. She is hoping to raise at least £2,500 in aid of listening ear charity Samaritans.

She has so far raised almost  £2,400 with the help of 78 donors.

She will be attempting the gruelling 26.2-mile course just five years after taking up running for a 'couch to three-mile challenge'. The effort is a huge personal milestone after building up to the  challenging distance. And she has been a supporter of the Samaritans and their work to help vulnerable people, since her own struggles with mental health over six years ago.

Amy, who grew up in Perton, says: “I am a massive believer in the positive impact that running can have to support people’s mental wellbeing. I love just putting on my trainers and heading out to exercise. Samaritans is a charity that means a lot to me for the amazing work they do to help those who are struggling and in need of someone to listen to. I was in a similar place myself six years ago where I was considering taking my own life and I was helped.

"I have grown so much since then and I want to inspire others with my story. Suicide impacts so many people and there is still lots of work we need to do as a society to encourage those that need help to speak up.”

As a result of taking up sports the courageous former pupil of St Edmunds School, in Compton Rd West, Compton, became a member of Tettenhall Running Club and the Manchester Jetts women’s baseball team. In April last year she represented the Great Britain women’s senior baseball team at a training camp in Florence, Italy. 

 “Running has been such a positive influence for me. It makes me happy and helps me deal with the day-to-day stresses of life. By running this marathon and sharing my story, I want to highlight to others that it is actually okay to not be okay, and raise awareness of the help that is out there through organisations like Samaritans.”

"It is my first marathon, so I want to finish regardless of the time. First marathon is always a personal best,” she adds.

Her training regime involves three to four runs per week with Tettenhall Running Club. 

Last year she ran the London Landmarks half-marathon also for Samaritans raising £800.   

Samaritans community and events Laura Woodcock said: “Amy is a total inspiration both in her courage to share her personal experiences,and taking on her first marathon." 

“At Samaritans, we know real examples of people overcoming suicidal thoughts can inspire others who are currently struggling to reach out for help. With every £10 raised helping our volunteers answer a possibly life-saving call, it’s thanks to supporters like Amy that we ca continue providing emotional support, 24/7.

“A massive thank you and good luck to Amy – we can’t wait to cheer her, and all our runners on around the iconic London Marathon route.” 

To support Amy visit the website 2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/amy-turner