This will be my first ever half marathon, and I thought to motivate me I would run for a worthy cause.

In the UK, it is reported that 1 in 200 people are experiencing homelessness, however, the actual number of people experiencing homelessness is likely higher because some types of homelessness, such as sofa surfing, are not documented.

Homelessness is devastating, dangerous and isolating.

The average age of death for people experiencing homelessness is 46 for men and 42 for women.

People sleeping on the street are almost 17 times more likely to have been victims of violence.

More than one in three people sleeping rough have been deliberately hit or kicked or experienced some other form of violence whilst homeless.

Homeless people are over nine times more likely to take their own life than the general population.

People become homeless for lots of different reasons. There are social causes of homelessness, such as a lack of affordable housing, poverty and unemployment; and life events which push people into homelessness.

People are forced into homelessness when they leave prison, care or the army with no home to go to. Many women experiencing homelessness have escaped a violent or abusive relationship.

Many people become homeless because they can no longer afford the rent.

And for many, life events like a relationship breaking down, losing a job, mental or physical health problems, or substance misuse put people under considerable strain. Being homeless can, in turn, make many of these problems even harder to resolve.

The UK is one of the world's wealthiest countries, with the sixth-largest economy in the world. I believe that homelessness should not be an issue here in the UK.

Shelter Cymru is a leading charity in Wales dedicated to ensuring everyone has a safe, secure, and affordable place to call home. They provide vital support and advocacy for individuals and families facing homelessness and housing difficulties. Their services include free advice, legal assistance, and outreach programs that empower people to navigate their housing challenges.

With your support, they can continue to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. Together, we can help build a future where everyone in Wales has access to a home. Join me in the mission to end homelessness and promote housing rights for all. Every donation counts—thank you for your generosity.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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.