I think many people who drink, drink too much. I know I do. I also know in these difficult times, a lot of people want to make a positive difference in the world. I know I want that too.

I'd been reading a book called "The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober" and pondering (with much fear and trepidation) taking a 90 day challenge. As I contemplated it I turned to pass through my beloved Stratford Centre on the way to the station and saw a small memorial sellotaped on the wall of the Starbucks. Hand-made letters scrawled on paper and card remembering four homeless people who had died over the period of just one week.

Then it hit me. I'm going to take this opportunity to better myself and use it as a way to help a community that deserves so much better but constantly gets failed by a society that should be rallying around them.

I'm raising money for a small community organisation called "Lola's Homeless" who make a massive difference to the homeless community in Stratford despite having no real stream of funding. Lorraine and her team provide fresh food for the people who sleep rough in Stratford, support for those trying to get a leg up and have even paid for hotel rooms for the most vulnerable. They help people at times of crisis and keep helping until they no longer need it.

They're also there when the community faces periods of tremendous loss.

I'm raising this money on behalf of my friend Pepe who died in the Stratford Centre this January. I honestly cannot tell you how brightly this one man shone. Stratford, and the world, have lost a truly wonderful spirit and, frankly, a top bloke. The money I raise during this 90 days are in memory of him and all of the other people who have lost their lives on London's streets.

So if you can spare anything at all, please use my temporary sobriety (let's be honest, the comedy in that alone is worth a couple of quid) as an excuse to spare a pound or two for this fantastic community of wonderful people coming together to help those in need.

It could be any of us at any time and it's organisations like Lola's who are out there saving lives

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"Lola's Homeless" Facebook Page