Sam to run the Sheffield Half Marathon for PAPYRUS

Meet Sam from Nottingham who will be running this year's Sheffield Half Marathon to raise funds and awareness for PAPYRUS - a charity very close to his heart. 

Papyrus is the UK's leading charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional well-being in young people.

Sam tragically lost his cousin Malo to suicide during the Summer. 

"In the summer of 2023, my cousin Malo lost his life after struggling with his mental health. He was aged only 21 and finishing University with so much life ahead of him. 

Since loosing Malo, Sam has found ways to raise funds and awareness for PAPYRUS including most recently running the Oulton Park Marathon. Sam's next challenge is the Sheffield Half Marathon, taking place on Sunday 7th April. 

"My uncle Louis, Malo's father, asked people to donate to PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide) so I've decided to run the Sheffield Half Marathon to raise awareness and funding to support their work."

"After finishing that marathon, Malo’s mother, Rachel, and a few other people close to Malo, let me know that they were running the Sheffield Half Marathon to raise money for PAPYRUS too and invited me to take part in it so we could run together. I felt like I couldn’t resist another opportunity to do something in Malo’s memory and with others who had the same goal and cause in mind.

"Suicide is the biggest killer of young people under the age of 35 in the UK, in 2018 over 1800 young people took their own lives. PAPYRUS provides confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person through their helpline

"Every £5 raised can contribute towards a life-saving contact to HOPELINE247. Your donations really are lifesaving, thank you.

"If you're running your first half marathon, don't focus on other people's pace and if they're overtaking you, it's just you against yourself, and when the pain starts to get too much just ask yourself "can I take one more step?" and you'll find the answer is usually "yes".

Good luck Sam, we can't wait to cheer you on! 

To sign up to the Sheffield Half Marathon click here