Avanti West Coast colleague who champions mental health to run London Marathon for Samaritans
Amy Turner is running her first marathon just five years after taking on the couch to 5km challenge.
- Train planner Amy Turner is running her first marathon.
- All money raised will be going to the suicide prevention charity.
- She is a huge advocate for promoting discussions around mental health.
An Avanti West Coast employee who took up fitness to help improve her mental health will be running the London Marathon in aid of Samaritans.
Train planner Amy Turner, from Wolverhampton, will be attempting the gruelling 26.2 mile course just five years after taking on the couch to 5km challenge.
It will be Amy’s first marathon and a huge personal milestone for her after building up to the challenging distance. 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 is a huge advocate for promoting discussions around mental health and hopes that her story may inspire those in need to reach out to organisations like Samaritans for support.
She said: “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 that 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.”
Away from running, she also competes in baseball with the Manchester Jetts women’s team which she joined five years ago. In April 2024, she represented the Great Britain Women’s Senior Team at a training camp in Florence, Italy.
Speaking on why she is sharing her story, she added: “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.”
Laura Woodcock, Head of Community and Events at Samaritans, 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 can 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.”
ENDS
Contact Information
Chris Penn
Notes to editors
Anyone wishing to support Amy, can do so here: https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/amy-turner
About Avanti West Coast
Avanti West Coast, operator of intercity rail services on the West Coast Main Line, is a joint venture between FirstGroup and Trenitalia, delivering a cleaner, greener railway that drives the West Coast forward.
We’re on a mission to revolutionise train travel. Our refurbed Pendolinos returned to the rails in June 2024 following a £117m investment programme that’s delivered the best in class comfort. Known as the UK’s hardest working fleet, all 56 of these iconic trains have been transformed and now boast better seats, improved lighting, new interior carpets, customer-friendly passenger information screens, additional luggage space, power points at every seat and refurbished toilets.
Our new Evero fleet was introduced in June 2024 and will replace our Voyagers. Built by Hitachi, the 23-strong fleet, consisting of 10 seven-carriage electric trains and 13 five-carriage bi-modes, will serve routes from London to the Midlands, Chester, North Wales and the North West, leading to a substantial cut in carbon emissions with an increase in seats, and offering improved comfort. Quieter and roomier, with more reliable Wi-Fi, wireless charging for electrical devices and a real-time customer information system, these new trains are the result of a £350m investment in sustainable travel.
We’re tackling climate change wherever we can, from reducing energy and water use to training drivers in eco-driving techniques and sourcing food and drink from local suppliers. Our goal is to be net zero carbon by 2031. We’re on track.
For the latest news, visit the Avanti West Coast Media Centre: https://newsdesk.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/
Press Office: 0845 000 3333
About Samaritans
- Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can visit www.samaritans.org
- Every 10 seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help.
- Samaritans is a charity and it’s the public’s kind donations and around 20,000 volunteers that mean we are always there for anyone struggling to cope. Find out how you can support us or volunteer with us.