A Samaritan is lacing up her elf shoes to run the London Marathon this weekend dressed as an elf after her own journey saved her life.
Roxy McCarthy, from Bolton, called the Samaritans charity eight years ago after her grandad died.
She found herself unable to cope driving by herself while tired and feeling suicidal.
And after Roxy’s friend took her own life in 2020, she began to see life differently, which prompted her to get involved in the "Mental Elf" campaign.
Throughout that December, she wore an elf costume to encourage conversations, raise funds, and break down barriers surrounding the stigma of mental health.
She said: “My grandad’s passing carried its own heartache and sorrow, but I could somewhat justify it by acknowledging that he had lived a full life, reached a ripe age, and left me with lasting memories.
“However, at Jess's funeral, a different kind of sorrow overwhelmed me, a profound sadness I couldn't fully comprehend.”
Inspired by a mental health initiative, Jess began the challenge named "Mental Elf".
She said: “After just one week, the impact was undeniable.
“People were engaging in meaningful conversations, and I found myself opening up about my own struggles.
“It was in those moments of my own vulnerability that I discovered the power of openness and community.”
Roxy then signed up to be a Samaritans volunteer and has recently began working for mental health and wellbeing platform called JAAQ.
Now, she is gearing up for the London Marathon on Sunday, April 21, which will be challenging after she recently was given all clear from a condition which caused inflammation of her spinal cord.
She said: “When I left hospital I was unable to walk, to ride my bike and I lost my independence.
“I wasn’t even able to ride my horse in the last few months she was here which was a tough pill to swallow.
“Now as I prepare to tackle my first marathon, I'm driven by a deep sense of purpose.
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“I’m so proud to be running for Samaritans, the charity partner for this year’s London Marathon and help to raise awareness of the life-saving service.
“If there’s anything I’ve learnt during my journey it’s that you honestly don’t know who might need support from Samaritans.”
“My ‘mental elf’ costume was a huge part of this journey and has become a part of my identity."
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