A SAMARITANS volunteer paid Northwich a visit on Thursday as part of his epic 6,000-mile walk.

The 'Listening Walker' David Matthews made the Mid Cheshire Samaritans branch, in Manchester Road, his 82nd stop on a tour of 201 branches across England and Ireland.

His journey will see him carry out a shift in each of the Samaritans' branches, raising awareness – and funds – as he goes.

His mammoth trek started on April 14, 2019, with the task expected to take around two years. From Northwich, he set off for Chester.

Northwich Guardian:

David and Mid Cheshire volunteer John set off to Chester on Friday morning

Based in Doncaster, David was inspired by a fellow Samaritan volunteer who travelled around all the branches on his motorbike to raise awareness.

At the outset of his journey, David said: “I thought that was a really good thing and so it got me thinking that I could do something like that. I pondered how I might do it and which branches I might visit.

"So I began to look on Google Maps at the branches and realised that there was almost a natural route between the branches that would lead neatly onto the next one with no need to double back for instance. A route which I could walk.”

Samaritans charity offers emotional support in person, by telephone, by email and by text, helping people who are going through a tough time.

You can call 116 123 for free or head online to samaritans.org

The schedule for the walk can be found at thelisteningwalk.co.uk along with details of how to donate either to the Samaritans or to the estimated £35,000 cost of the walk.