I was actually approached by Changing Lives back in March after they saw this fundraising page for Lancashire relief. It has only been recently that I have got to experience the great work they do. To give you a bit of background Changing Lives has been helping the most vulnerable and socially excluded for nearly 50 years. They started charity in the North East called Tyneside Cyrenians, and later The Cyrenians, helping people who were experiencing homelessness through their hostels and day centres.

Since then, their services have expanded in both provision and geography. They are now operating across the North East, Yorkshire, North West and the Midlands as a national organisation with over 500 members of staff and nearly 300 volunteers helping over 17,000 people each year to change their lives for the better.

Recently I got to see firsthand the fantastic work they do at Changing Lives. It is amazing how they day centres and hostels help empower people to get back on their feet. I met Jim who ended up homeless and on the streets after he was made redundant back in the financial crash. He lost his house and marriage. Things got out of control with drugs and alcohol. Changing Lives has given him the opportunity to get back on his feet and gain his confidence back. They helped him through a comprehensive rehabilitation programme to address his issues with drugs and alcohol. Jim has just finished his NVQ level 2 in horticulture and has been successful in finding a job looking after the plants in a local park.

When talking to Jim, it really hit home how close we all are to only being a few steps away from being in such a vulnerable position ourselves. I am passionate about helping those who are the most vulnerable in our society and truly want to help change lives. That is why I am running the Great North run specifically for Changing lives and all money raised between now and the rest of the year will go directly to them.