Imagine walking or running from the UK to Uluru, Australia’s Ayers Rock. That’s what Team Three UK achieved when they notched up 9,722 miles in a shared effort for its ‘Samarathon’ event.

In real terms, 340 people from Three UK walked, jogged and ran 26.2 miles each. It was no small feat, raising £20,000 for the Samaritans, as part of their support in an ongoing collaboration between Three UK and Samaritans with the #BetterPhoneFriend initiative. The event raised crucial funds for the donation-based service that helps volunteers answer life-saving calls.

‘Samarathon’ was a month-long fundraiser where you could walk or run – or a mixture of both – the length of a marathon throughout July. Whilst a marathon can be, well, a marathon effort, ‘Samarathon’ is exceptional in that it allows people to go at their own pace.

Allie from Three Live talks with long-standing Samaritans volunteer listener, Leonie, about her experiences in the role, taking part in ‘Samarathon’ and how we can all become a #BetterPhoneFriend. You can watch this inspiring story and Q&A here.