You would think a story would have to start at the beginning, but the thing is – I don’t quite know where the beginning actually is or how in a country with the fifth biggest economy in world (IMF, 2018) things got quite this bad. However things are bad – just look around you, poverty is everywhere and it is getting worse.

In last financial year The Trussell Trust (which accounts for roughly two thirds of UK foodbanks), gave out 1,332,952 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis nationwide. This compares to 913,138 three-day emergency food supplies given to people in crisis in 2013/2014. (The Trussell Trust, 2018) This is an increase of 45%!

In the North West alone over the same period, the increase is from 138’644 to 197’182, which is an increase of 42%! (The Trussell Trust, 2018).

I am lucky; I have a good job, great friends, and a loving family. I can have a hot meal pretty much whenever I want. However, not everyone is as lucky as you or me. There are thousands of people out there who need our help. Nobody deserves to live in poverty anywhere in the modern world, never mind right here in Lancashire.

The average wage in Lancashire is £21’056 ( Lancashire County Council, 2018). I invite you all to join me in raising 10% of the average wage over the next year for the most vulnerable of our society and help those most in need get the help they deserve. I will be undertaking a number of physical challenges throughout the year to raise funds for this much-needed cause. This includes the Windermere marathon in May, which has a reputation as one of the most challenging road marathons in the UK.

I will be working closely with local charities such as the Foxton centre, Emmaus in Preston and Penwortham Churches Together Food Bank who all do fantastic work in getting food to people who need it the most and helping the homeless.

Please join me in helping in any way you can. Invite your friends to help spread the word and help the people who need it the most.