A DETERMINED mum of three is gearing up to raise thousands of pounds as she takes on the London Marathon for the Oxford Samaritans in memory of her husband who took his own life.

Helen Beard, from Launton near Bicester, wants to give something back and raise awareness of the charity after it supported her through her bereavement when husband Martyn Beard died five years ago.

She said the support from the Oxford Samaritans helped her to grieving as well as the strength to support her children through such a tough time.

Mrs Beard said: "My husband suffered depression for a long time and for him it was seasonal.

"One thing he did was the Launton Panto through winter and the whole family would get involved, it was a hugely positive thing for us all to be part of.

"He did have help [with his depression] but eventually it wasn’t enough and the biggest issue was not talking about it. As a man of that age, like many in their early 50s, they don’t like talking about these things.

"It horrifies me, so I wanted to do something to help raise awareness and hopefully I can help make a difference talking about it.

"Martyn never felt like he could say he had thoughts about ending his life and that it was the most difficult thing to say.

"Samaritans helped me by simply talking to a stranger, who won’t judge you or feel like they need to give advice but just listen."

The school nurse at Bardwell School has been fundraising for the charity since taking part in charity dance competition Strictly Bicester three years ago.

Mrs Beard is now training for the London Marathon before which she hopes to raise £2,500 for the Oxford Samaritans.

To help raise the funds Mrs Beard is staging a night of music, food and fun on Saturday, February 4, at the Launton Sports and Social Club.

She said: "I haven’t done a big thing like this to fundraise on my own before only the fundraising events I have done with the Ladies Circle.

"I am trying to raise £2,500 in total and the next event is a music night with hot food and a mini auction of some of Martyn’s Vinyls.

"He was really into his rock and metal so there is artists such as the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and David Bowie.

"He was a guitar player himself as well, he did it all with Launton Village Players and he was part of the Bicester choral and operatic society for a while as well."

The money Mrs Beard raises will go towards supporting the Samaritans work in providing anonymous over the phone, email or text support 24 hours a day every day a week.

As well as extra support including groups heading out on the street to speak with people.

She added: "After my own experience I have a completely different insight into what it is like to be bereaved by suicide, what it is like for those left behind and how many people are affected by it.

"The Oxford Samaritans do an amazing service and I'm hoping to contribute to breaking down the stigma that prevents people from getting help and talking. I

"I want to spread that information so that people won’t have to go through what we went through."

To donate, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/HelenBeard