Running has been a great source of strength for me over the years. When you're feeling good, it creates a sense of freedom like no other -  and when life feels like it's all too much to cope with, it provides you with a bubble where you can get a sense of comfort and perspective.

Like many of us, I take for granted that even when the world feels too overwhelming to navigate, running aside, I have a place to call home. Home is somewhere I can lock the door at night and feel safe.

However, this isn't the case for far too many people. All across the UK the housing emergency continues to leave millions feeling lost, vulnerable and hopeless through inadequate housing and homelessness. This is yet another factor in the growing mental health crisis. Surely a safe and secure home is a basic human right?

This is why charities like Shelter are so important. They help people in need by providing advice and practical assistance, and fight for better investment in housing and for laws and policies to improve the lives of homeless and badly housed people.

On a personal level, whilst running has always been a positive constant in my life, running the London Marathon last year for Mind humbled me in a different way - it gave me an outlet to do good for others. So here I am, 12 months later, preparing for my second world marathon major in Berlin in aid of Shelter. 

The race will be a culmination of a long hard training plan but, just like last year, taking time to understand the stories and hardship of people whose struggle is incomparable to that of a marathon runner will give me the perspective I need.