I COULDNT DO QUEENSTOWN DUE TO VERTIGO WE GO AGAIN - HAWKES BAY ON 13th MAY 2017!!!!

I retired earlier this year after 41years of working in the social welfare/justice sector. Most of my work concerned promoting empathy, care and understanding for people with enduring difficulties: coping with severe structural inequalities; poverty; exclusion; abuse and mental health difficulties - which for some resulted in chronic struggles with homelessness, problematic drug use and incarceration.

As a Scouser from Anfield, Liverpool now living in New Zealand, I always have a strong connection with my home town and a compassion for my people - the working class. So running to raise money for the Whitechapel Centre [ http://www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk/ ] for people in Liverpool who are homeless means a lot to me. I'm pleased to run for a regional charity committed to direct action and 'coal face' support, rather than a national/international charity that can easily get caught up and become gentrified by the system, and then provide limited benefit to the people sleeping rough on Merseyside.

Running has proved a great way for me to keep fit, to get out and appreciate the outdoors. I began just before my 50th birthday doing a 10k for the first time, and before I hit 60 next year I"m hoping to complete my first marathon. We'll b running in the Hawkes Bay International Marathon Aotearoa New Zealand finishing at a vineyard!

Committing ourselves to races has kept our discipline and routine to ensure we keep running, and training has been a great way to spend time with friends. My running partner Acky has kindly agreed to run the race with me - despite him being at least an hour quicker over the course of a marathon. It'll be the first time for both of us - so PB's all round! But seriously, I'll be chuffed, absolutely 'made-up', if I finish under 5hours 30mins. I think our key target is to complete the marathon without walking if possible!

It'd be great to raise much needed funding for the Whitechapel Centre - my long standing friend and ex-colleague Steve Collett, is a trustee and speaks highly of how well the charity is run and the good work they do on Merseyside supporting people who lack proper accommodation, have drink and/or drug difficulties and mental health problems. Your donations will help make a difference by providing food, shelter, warmth, support and guidance to some of the most vulnerable, isolated and stigmatised people of Liverpool (and as a spin off, it will also help Acky and I to keep going in that challenging unknown territory of the race - the intimidating final 32k-42k!). 

Ruth McCaughley Fundraising Manager at the Whitechapel Centre explains more about what they do: "The Whitechapel Centre is the leading homeless and housing charity for the Liverpool region. We work with people who are sleeping rough, living in hostels or struggling to manage their accommodation. We are committed to helping people find and maintain a home and learn the life skills essential for independent living." 

"Our Enablement Centre is open every day, providing breakfast and shower facilities for rough sleepers. We work with some of Liverpool’s most vulnerable and socially excluded people and believe that everyone should be treated with respect and have the opportunity to achieve their potential."

"Sadly, we are seeing an increasing number of people coming through our doors asking for accommodation, support, welfare & debt advice and help in dealing with their problems.  We are a charity and rely on donations to be able to meet this increased need. Quite simply, the more funds we have, the more lives we can change."

"It’s wonderful to hear that you  are supporting the Whitechapel Centre, so far away from us!  We really appreciate your support - your fundraising really can make a difference."

So every gesture of giving is much appreciated, and I'm unlikely to be asking for donations again as this is likely to be my first and last marathon! 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 Whitechapel Centre in Liverpool. So it's an efficient way to donate - saving time and reducing costs for the charity.

Thanks very much for reading this and for any donation you are able to give to help homeless people in Liverpool, England!

Much appreciated :)

Julian & my mate Acky!