"I was lucky enough to help out with a shift at the Nomad shelter for the homeless in Lincoln last week. What an amazing job it does of making people who have lost so much feel valued and cared for. It offers a warm welcome, good freshly-cooked food, somewhere to wash, sleep, feel safe as well as guiding them towards the advice and services they need.

"I did the YMCA Sleep Easy in March and it was the coldest, wettest, most uncomfortable night I've ever had, eventually managing a few hours' sleep in the cathedral cloisters along with twenty or so others. It gave me huge respect for those who survive on the streets.

“The inspiration for A Mile in Their Shoes came from seeing the wonderful Archbishop John Sentanu of York on television, during his amazing 6-month pilgrimage round his enormous diocese. I thought, what a fantastic way to meet people all round Lincoln and chat to them.

“I absolutely love walking and walk several miles every day with my terrier, so I thought I could really get to know Lincoln better, come across all sorts of fascinating people – and, most important of all, raise money for The Nomad Trust, which comes under the wing of the YMCA in Lincoln."

YMCA Lincolnshire aims to improve the lives of our community's most vulnerable people. All donations to YMCA Lincolnshire will be gratefully received by us, as well as our supporters.

YMCA Lincolnshire provides a range of support, services and facilities within the county, including accommodation and housing support, child care, sports and fitness, workplace and CPD training, top class conferencing and events services, pioneering youth engagement and alternative education provision.Visit: www.lincsymca.co.uk for more information.