Chad Varah

Today (12th November 2011) would have been the 100th birthday of Chad Varah, the founder of the Samaritans.  Chad trained for ordained ministry at Lincoln Theological College and served his curacy in that city.  One of his early tasks was to conduct the funeral of a young girl who had committed suicide because she didn't understand what was happening when she started her periods.  This experience profoundly affected him.  He thought that it was a shame that there was no one this girl could have spoken to.

The idea was later born of setting up a centre where people could come for advice and counsel.  When he became vicar of St Stephen Walbrook in London in 1953 he got his chance.  He asked for a group of volunteers to look after those waiting to see him and found that many didn't bother waiting for him.  Talking with the volunteers did the trick.  He handed over the role to these Samaritans, who were there for those who came in need and didn't pass by on the other side.

Today the Samaritans is a worldwide organisation giving 24 hour support for the lonely and suicidal.  It does a tremendous job and is his lasting monument.

Chad Varah died on 8th November 2007 aged 95.