Paul Saunders - Lowestoft Scores Challenge in Brother’s Memory

Norwich resident Paul Saunders is running the Lowestoft Scores Race on Sunday, September 13 in memory of his brother Sean, who took his own life in 2003, while suffering from depression.

Paul and brothers Sean and Dean grew up in Lowestoft. Their parents used to run The Crown Hotel at the top of Crown Score, one of the landmarks on the Lowestoft Scores Race. The 4.75-mile run, organised by Waveney Valley Athletic Club, includes seven steep climbs, six descents and 409 steps.

Paul is doing the run in aid of The Davenport Trust, a new Norfolk charity set up to help people of all ages recognise and deal with the symptoms of depression, an illness from which, unbelievably, one in four of us suffers. He has already secured pledges totalling more than £500, see http://www.charitygiving.co.uk/paulsaunders/

"I have never been a runner," said Paul. "But in January I made a resolution to get fit. I needed a focus to keep me going and thought that the Lowestoft Scores race would be the ideal challenge with all the hill climbs. Doing something positive in Sean’s memory has been an additional inspiration. I have been aware of The Davenport Trust for some time as it was set up following a tragic loss of life not dissimilar to Sean."

"I have great memories of growing up in Lowestoft," added Paul. "We got up to lots of mischief and it was always Sean who ended up getting the blame! It is going to be very emotional running a race in an area that used to be our playground."

James Clarke, Davenport Trust founder said: "I wish Paul the best of luck for the Lowestoft Scores Race and thank him for thinking of The Davenport Trust. We are a small charity that is keen to remove the stigma attached to depression and help old and young combat its symptoms."

The Davenport Trust takes its name from Shaun Davenport, a 17 year-old student at Hewett School, Norwich, who faced a bright future, yet took his own life in January 2003. The trust’s first publication I Feel Sh*t featuring contributions from young people, giving their personal views on how depression can be combated is due to be published in early 2010, http://www.davenporttrust.org.uk/.