I'm a big fan of chickens.  My wife Lisa and I have been giving a home to rescued ex-battery hens ('ex-bats') since 2008. It's a real joy to see these fantastic birds - each with their own unique personality - living out the final years of their lives in freedom after years of non-stop egg laying.

Despite the higher welfare cages that replaced the battery system in 2012, cages still typically hold around 80 hens.  It's a hell of a life.  So, imagine being able to see the grass, feel the sun and breath fresh air for the very first time.  This is what awaits those ex-bats fortunate enough to be rescued and re-homed by the British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT). 

The BHWT's work not only brings relief for ex-bats and pleasure to their new owners, they also do a great deal of work in the community such as educational visits to schools and visiting older peoples' homes, where the ex-bats are always the star of the show.   

This is why I want to help the BHWT - so they can rescue and re-home even more of these beautiful and sensitive birds, who deserve a better life than the one they've endured.

Please support my half-marathon run and help the BHWT rescue and re-home even more ex-bat hens.  You can find out more about re-homing ex-bats at: www.bhwt.org.uk/

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.