Angus and Tom are best pals. They want to make a difference to the lives of people who are sleeping rough on the streets. They are both frustrated and upset by the hardships faced by the increasing numbers of homeless people they encounter on a daily basis. As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, the dangers of sleeping rough multiply. Early forecasts predict a very cold winter ahead. 

The walk

Angus lives in Oxford. In a city of such affluence, no one should have to spend a night without shelter, yet the number of homeless people in Oxford has increased by 175% since 2012. Tom lives in London, where unprecedented numbers of people are sleeping and dying on the streets. 

At the crack of dawn this Thursday 15th November, we begin our walk along the River Thames from Oxford to London. Come rain or come shine, by day and by night, we will cover over 120 miles in just under 4 days.

We hope that in so doing, we will encourage you to make a generous contribution to the work of Homeless Oxfordshire. 

We believe that many people share our frustration and concerns. If you do, then please sponsor our endeavour however you can. Every penny will go towards making a real difference to the lives of homeless people in Oxfordshire this winter. 

Why we are walking

Over the course of the journey we want to talk to as many different people as we can about the issue of homelessness. We want to listen to the perspectives of people who are homeless, people who are affected by homelessness, people who only read about it in the papers. 

 We will be sleeping by the wayside, carrying our tent, clothes and belongings on our backs. Something homeless rough sleepers go through night after night. It will be a punishing and difficult journey.

But, unlike most homeless people we will have resources to fall back on if the going gets tough. We are making this journey out of choice. We will look forward to warmth and food and a roof on Sunday evening. 

Unlike so many homeless people, we will also have each other. We won’t suffer one of the greatest hardships of rough sleepers: loneliness. 

By making this journey,we hope to engage in and contribute to a conversation about homelessness, about why numbers are going up and not down, and what we can do as individuals and as a society to help. 

About the charity

Homeless Oxfordshire is the main provider of accommodation for single homeless people across the county. Their aim is to provide a range of housing and high quality support that enables homeless people to have a safe space in which they can begin to take control of their own lives and to learn how to thrive. This includes a 24 hour hostel and over 28 properties in the local community. They help homeless people deal with the complex issues that led to them becoming homeless in the first place.

The difference the charity makes, and has the potential to make, is vast. However, keeping the hostel and their services running is expensive. They rely on donations from people like you. 

The money we raise will bring about a massive change to the lives of people who really need your help. 

If you too are saddened and frustrated by the suffering caused by homelessness, please sponsor us by giving anything you can.

Thank you for reading.