Seaford woman to finish 874 mile challenge for Mind charity

Samantha Alvarez, known to her friends as Sam, took up the challenge last month and has so far raised over £2,000 for Mind. 

Sam has just 82 miles left of the 874 miles and will finish this Saturday by completing the Seaford Beach Park Run.

The 52-year-old teacher at Uckfield College suffers with her mental health, which she says had been made worse by menopause.

Sam told The Argus: “I decided to spend my summer holiday running the distance between John O’ Groats, Scotland, and Lands End, Cornwall, to raise awareness of mental health and the menopause and to manage my own mental challenges.

Left to right: Sam Alvarez and Kathryn Warren

“It was a virtual challenge – up and down Seaford seafront. This way I benefited from the support of my friends and fellow club runners at Seaford Striders. 

“I ran 62 miles on the first day then managed an average of 30 miles every day.”

Ahead of finishing her challenge this weekend Sam thanked her running companions from Seaford Striders, Hailsham Harriers and Polegate Plodders.

She has also been supported by her partner, her friends and her brother.

Sam, from Seaford, chose to raise funds for Mind due to personal support she has received from them. 

“I am on a mission to raise awareness of mental health and the menopause. Like many people, I am battling with my mental health. But I am no longer ashamed to admit it,” she added.

Left to right: Kathryn Warren and Sam Alvarez

“I am speaking up, getting help and taking action. Doing this challenge, speaking up and seeking help has been liberating. 

“Even in this day and age the stigma around mental health still exists and because of that people often suffer in silence and their conditions go untreated.  

“Having mental health issues has made my daily life more challenging, but it hasn't prevented me from having a fulfilling and engaging life.”

Since she decided to seek help, she struggled to get the full treatment she needed through free services and has decided to pay for counselling sessions herself.

Left to right: Frances Delves, Sam Alvarez and Nick Farley

Sam said: “I find it tragic that only those with money can access something so important. 

“This is why I challenged myself to run a gruelling 874 miles to raise money for Mind, who are campaigning for change so that everyone can have equal access to the mental health care they deserve.”

Sam says she has further plans for her fundraising and even hopes to run the same 874-mile distance whilst handcuffed to her fellow running friend Kate Bennett, aiming to set a Guinness World Record of 15 days.

She said: “I also plan to do more challenges with my school pupils. 

“I am on a mission now to raise awareness of mental health and will not stop until charities like Mind are successful in campaigning for change.

“My dream is to know that everybody can access free or affordable mental health support in a timely manner. 

“The current reality is nothing like my dream but should be a basic human right like access to food and water.”

To donate to Sam’s fundraiser please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sam-alvarez1