During my time in Cambridge, I've been the lucky enough to enjoy some of the most gorgeous experiences that the city has to offer. King's Parade bathed in petrichor; sheets of fog swirling over the River Cam; night-time meanders through fastidiously tended gardens. No matter the weather, it always seems to retain its beauty.

That beauty belies the city's wealth inequality. Homerton is infamous for its distance from the city centre, and each time I make the journey, I'm approached by half a dozen homeless people asking for help. Each time they ask me, I'm acutely aware of the fact that at the end of each term, most of us (students) have homes to go back to. Most of us have families who can shelter us and look after us when we're struggling. If our families disappeared, we wouldn't have homes to go back to. Most likely, we'd be homeless.

And no-one should have to rely on the caprices of strangers for survival. That's why we need charities like Jimmy's. They provide for those people who aren't privileged with a safety net. From their 20-bed emergency accommodation on East Road, to '451' - a six-bed residential centre supporting alcohol-dependent people to reduce drinking and improve their health - Jimmy's provides year-round support for those who would otherwise be sleeping rough. 

Their modular homes are specifically designed to be used on temporary sites, so that they can be relocated when the land is required for its long term intended use. With 6 currently built, and 10 more due to open this December/January, they're raising funds to ensure they can fund long-term support for the homes' residents.

And Cambridge is flat. Like really flat. It's so flat that you could lay down a spirit level from one side of East Anglia to the other and have the bubble barely move an inch. So I've decided to run a marathon.

My legs might give out. My heart might stop. My lungs might get bored and decide they've had enough. But on my journey to total bodily collapse, I would be incredibly grateful for your donations. Jimmy's provides people with a path out of homelessness - helping them return to employment, and offering specialist support for addiction and other mental health issues. Any money you give will be going to a wonderful charity that helps provide shelter and support for those who need it most. 

Edit: On March 3rd 2021, I completed the marathon in 4 hours, 10 minutes and 28 seconds. I want to thank everyone who has donated for your support - if you still wish to make a donation, the page will be remaining open for several months more :)