I am running the Hackney Half Marathon on Sunday 19th May, to raise money for Trees for Cities - an organisation which plants trees in cities with the aim of improving human wellbeing and creating habitats for urban wildlife. In addition, it builds "Edible Playgrounds" in schools, where children can learn to grow and harvest their own food, and develop their confidence, self-esteem and relationship with nature. Since it was founded in 1993, the charity has planted over 800,000 trees in cities worldwide.

This important work has numerous benefits for us and for the planet; for example: trees protect our physical health by cleaning the air and the water supply of pollutants; trees conserve energy by cooling the streets and provide habitats for wildlife such as birds and insects; trees benefit our emotional health, reduce levels of stress, anxiety, and aggression, and even accelerate the healing of the infirm; greener environments foster the healthy emotional and physical development of children.

I would be very grateful if you could sponsor me and support the work of Trees for Cities. Any donations, however small, would be much appreciated.

Thank you very much for your support!

Alex