Kind-hearted volunteers from Lanarkshire were able to raise over £2000 during a night of stand-up comedy.
The group from Lanarkshire Samaritans collected donations after being invited to fundraise at Geordie comic Sarah Millican's show which took place at the SEC Armadillo in Glasgow.
The comedian is a long-time supporter of Samaritans after having her own experience with the charity a number of years ago.
It led to her encouraging her audiences to donate to the cause, an initiative which has already brought great success.
On September 4, Hamilton volunteers went along to the show with donation buckets and raked a fantastic total of £2222.
The local branch were delighted to take part and contribute to being able to help many locals who may be struggling with their mental health.
Every 10 seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help. Last year, over 1000 volunteers based in Scotland answered 160,000 calls, spending a total of 36,000 hours on the phone.
Darren Littlejohn, branch director of Lanarkshire Samaritans, said: “Fundraising is absolutely crucial for Samaritans – every £5 raised means we can answer one potentially life-saving call.
“So we were delighted to be invited to fundraise after Sarah’s show, and grateful for her ongoing support in highlighting the vital work of Samaritans.
“A huge thank you to everyone who donated so generously on the night, and thank you also to the volunteers from the Lanarkshire branch who gave up their free time to collect.”
Danielle Rowley, influencing manager at Samaritans Scotland, added: “We are incredibly grateful to Sarah for continuing to promote the work of Samaritans and for championing bucket collections at the end of her shows throughout her tour.
“We were delighted for the opportunity to fundraise, and all of the money raised will stay with the local branches to support them in their crucial work.
“Our volunteers are always here for anyone who needs a listening ear – 24/7, we’re never more than a phone call or email away.”
Sarah is fundraising for Samaritans at every UK and Ireland date of her Bobby Dazzler tour this year.
Her fans were all the more generous after hearing Sarah’s own story of calling Samaritans when she hit rock bottom after the break-up of her first marriage. Sarah said: “I expected it to be like when you ring the bank with a bit of music and some options. Nope, they answer super-quietly and they just let you talk.
"And they’re there 24 hours a day every single day of the year for anyone who needs them.
“I’ve always known what smashers my audiences are, and they’ve done a great job yet again. Thank you, lovely people, for supporting Samaritans, such an incredible charity.”
The Lanarkshire group is based on Selkirk Place in Hamilton. You can find out how to volunteer or donate here.
If you need to talk, Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
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