<p>I have the opportunity to run my second half marathon on the Silverstone track next month! All I need to do is raise &pound;500 for the LGF.</p> <p>The Lesbian and Gay Foundation is a charity which works to 'End Homophobia and Empower People'. LGB people have gained more and more equality over the last few year and this is because of charities like this.</p> <p>Although we have more equality by law&nbsp;we are still struggling with homophobia at school, at work, by family and this means we still have young LGB people taking their lives because of a simple thing like their sexuality. Which really gets my goat!</p> <p>This means that there is still work to be done to achieve equality and the LGF is one of the charities fighting for it. They have sexual health programmes, mental health programmes, women's work programmes - so various drop-in sessions for people in need.</p> <p>CHECK OUT THESE FACTS:</p> <li>1 in 10 men who have sex with men are living with HIV, and of them 1 in 3 in the major UK cities are undiagnosed; </li> <li>HIV stigma continues to be a debilitating social condition; </li> <li>Only 1 in 10 lesbian and bisexual women of the appropriate age have had a cervical screen in the last 3 years; </li> <li>3 in 5 LGB people have experienced a mental health issue in the last 5 years; </li> <li>LGB people are up to 8 times more likely to be heavy alcohol users compared to their heterosexual peers; </li> <li>2 in 5 LGB people use recreational drugs which is significantly higher than within the general population. </li> <li>Nearly half of all LGB people smoke, compared with a quarter of the heterosexual population and two thirds of LGB smokers have tried unsuccessfully to quit. </li> <p>THIS is why we still need to raise money!</p> <p>I have 3 weeks to collect this money so it would be great if you are able to spare a few pounds...or even a pound! Every little helps...and I won't be able to run it unless I raise it!!</p>