So, I wrote a book last year called HOME. Good title, eh? Such an evocative word. But for some people, it IS just a word. Homelessness is one of society's great tragedies (and embarrassments).

In an ideal world, everyone would have a roof over their head, but the provision of a bed for the night sometimes isn't enough. Getting off the streets and back onto your own two feet can be a long and difficult journey - especially if homelessness has robbed you of your self-respect and self-esteem.

The other day, I saw this (copy/paste the link into your browser) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35903291 about how opera is transforming the lives of people who have experienced homelessness - and it took me quite a while to swallow the lump in my throat. Immediately, I wanted to do something to help. So...

This October, I have a book coming out called A (Christmas) Day at the Office, and you can win the chance to have it dedicated to YOU (or someone you know) for the princely sum of just £2.

Here's how it works: Pledge £2 on here, along with the name of the person you want the book dedicated to (e.g. yourself - though the novel is coming out in October, and an actual published book DEDICATED TO THEM would make someone a lovely Christmas present/earn you SERIOUS brownie points!), and you'll go into the draw. Pledge more, and you'll have a greater chance (i.e. £10 means you go into the hat* five times, and so on). The winner will, of course, also get a signed copy of the paperback.

All money raised will go to Streetwise Opera (http://www.streetwiseopera.org/) - an award-winning charity which uses music to help people make positive changes to their lives.

This is your chance to help someone change their lives - and you'll get something pretty cool out of it too - all for just £2 (though please feel free to stick a few more quid in if you like).

Go on - what are you waiting for?

Matt

*it might not be an actual hat.