Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Many people will not know that as a young man, aged 16, I spent around 6 months sleeping rough on the streets of London. I've not always run a restaurant in Southwold.

People were judgemental, abusive and unkind. I was often verbally or physically abused. Spat on, kicked and more....

Hunger drove me to eat from bins, beg for money just to survive. This experience is partially why I enjoy and value food today.

Sleeping out in the middle of winter is not to be recommended and isn't a choice. People can end homeless for a variety of reasons. Mental health, drugs, alcohol, job loss, divorce, domestic abuse and gambling addiction are just some of the many reasons.

Homelessness is not just something that happens to the lower level of society. Everyone and anyone is susceptible to becoming homeless. Money or status can't prevent some of triggers that can catapult you in to rough sleeping.

Once your on the streets it is hard to claw your way out of a lifestyle that can suck you under. St Martin in the Fields is one of the many homeless charities offering support.

Not just at Christmas but all year round. However, Christmas is the time when celebrities and politicians all clammer to ease their conscience by highlighting their concern for the homeless. 

I'm not a celebrity but I would like to prick your conscience. Please help me to raise my goal. I'm donating my tips and encouraging people to share this just giving page, to raise my target. 

I'd like to thank you in advance and hope that you or those you love, never end up needing to use St Martin in the Fields.

James Scott

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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.