I’m running (or attempting to run) the Glencoe trail marathon, a tough off road 26.2 miles in the Scottish wilderness with a total ascent of 1,608m to raise money for SHYPP, which helps young people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

The Glencoe Marathon, the first marathon to be run through this unforgiving landscape, links the great Glencoe with Glen Nevis and takes in the Devil’s Staircase, a gruelling 500 metre climb over the eastern edge of the truly fearsome Aonach Eagach Ridge, against the dramatic backdrop of the Scottish highlands.

My goal is to hit £500 but am hoping that I can smash through this target (like the run will on my joints, legs and mental willpower…)

Now I’m no seasoned runner…in fact I only started running this year, struggling to even get to 5km back in February...and now i'm attempting my first marathon...a trail marathon… over some pretty steep hills....around Ben Nevis.

Crazy? Maybe...but the craziest thing is people are still homeless or at risk of being homeless and the least I can do is have a jolly run (I’m trying to stay positive) over a few hills and raise some money in the process for this fantastic cause: granted I’ll probably be unable to walk and be uncomfortable for a few a days but there are young people out there who are a lot more uncomfortable: without a supportive family, without food and without a roof over their heads…worth every single bead of sweat (and all the groans afterwards) without a doubt!

I first heard of the Supported Housing for Young People Project (SHYPP) through my work with a local housing association when I was asked if Housing Partners, the company I work for, would consider them as our preferred charity. After being invited to one of SHYPP's media events where young people told their stories through art, music and video I was genuinely brought to tears. As a musician myself this really hit me hard and I saw myself in those who had laid bare their deepest emotions...that could have been me, one of my family or one of my friends...I'd taken for granted how lucky I am to have a loving family, a roof over my head, good health and never went without what I needed. Many of those who talked about their experiences hadn't had the same privileges.

SHYPP works with 16-25 year olds who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless. They are not just about accommodation, they also work with young people through training programmes and a wide range of activities. £5 will pay for a meal, £10 will contribute towards a young person in crisis and £25 can help fund a programme for independent living skills: SHYPP essentially helps to keep young people off the streets and get them back on track giving young people the opportunity to develop independent living skills, identify their talents and go on to live happy and successful lives. All young people within their accommodation are expected to engage and work with SHYPP on a programme tailored to their needs. SHYPP also provides floating support to assist young people in their own homes, enabling them to access accommodation, maintain accommodation and help with debt management.

Running over a few hills is the least i can do... help me to get to my target for this fantastic cause!!!