Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am running 10k on the 8th July 2012 to raise money for Rhythms of Life International (ROLI), a charity set up in 2008 which has been serving free food to the homeless, 365 days a year, ever since.

ROLI feeds around 50 people a day, thanks to food donated by local Hackney businesses and the work of many committed volunteers, who collect, prepare and distribute the food every day.

I started volunteering at ROLI in 2009 and I have seen first-hand the amazing strides it has taken thanks to the tireless drive of its coordinator Andrew Faris. Andrew was once homeless himself, and having been able to work his way out of this position, decided he wanted to provide a practical and immediate help to London's homeless.

However, in the current economic climate, the charity faces particularly tough times. More and more people are coming to the food service because they are struggling to survive on low income, have been made homeless or are in danger of losing their homes. Meanwhile, rents in London are extortionately high and costs facing ROLI are growing. The charity desperately needs funding to continue providing its vital service to support those in need.

To give an idea of the impact of the daily food service, between May 2008 and April 2001, ROLI served 54,750 hot meals and over 109,500 sandwiches to homeless people. Please see the website for more detail about the charity, its purpose and its achievements http://rhythmsoflife.org.uk/

I hope you will be able to sponsor me in my run, as any amount, no matter how small, will really make a difference. Bear in mind that, although 10k may not be a huge distance for marathon runners, it is a long way for somebody as unfit as me!

It costs £1 to provide a three course meal for one homeless person. If you were able to donate £7, that could feed one person for a whole week. But indeed ROLI will be so grateful for whatever you can give.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you so much for your support and kindness.

Hannah