London Marathon icon set for 25th consecutive race across capital
Dave "The Running Telephone" is once again raising money for Samaritans
"Dave the Running Telephone" has become part of the fabric of the world's most famous marathon - and he's back for 2024.
The man beneath the costume - Dave Lock - has been raising money for Samaritans since 1998, and this year's London Marathon will be his 25th in a row, a run only derailed by the covid pandemic.
Dave first interacted with the service more than 25 years ago, after childhood and family issues left him with suicidal thoughts.
'Samaritans saved my life'
He told us: "I just didn't see the point of carrying on, I wanted to take my own life, I didn't think anyone would be that bothered if I disappeared.
"That's when I called Samaritans, and Samaritans literally saved my life."
He subsequently became a regular caller, before volunteering at his local Waltham Forest branch.
LISTEN: He's been sharing his mental health journey with our Mental Health Monday Podcast
Dave will be the Team Captain for the Samaritans fundraisers at this year's race.
So far he's raised more than ÂŁ50,000 for the organisation, and has clocked up more than 700 miles.
He told Hits Radio: "During the London Marathon I have been approached in the telephone by spectators, volunteers and runners who've talked to me about their challenges while we're jogging along.
"I try to help there and then.
"A fellow runner approached me in tears on Tower Bridge. We held hands and we talked about our own experiences.
"Sadly he'd lost his partner to suicide, so I helped him."
London Marathon 2024
The Samaritans cause will have an extra poignancy for Dave again this year, after he lost his brother to suicide ahead of last year's race:
Dave's told us that's made him doubly committed to making a difference: "It's made me even more determined to keep going.
"He suffered the same circumstances at birth that I did - it could easily have been me."
You can find out more about Samaritans on their website and you can call them 24/7 on 116 123.
Listen to Dave's story in full on the Mental Health Monday Podcast