Keep on running.

Regardless of where you're from or who you are, life is tough. 

Our ability to over-come adversity often comes from the structure and support that is provided both mentally and economically by our families, friends and networks. A from of security that assures us whatever situation we're in, there is the possibility to get through our predicaments with the help available to us. But what if this help didn't exist? What if you didn't have anyone you can ask for help?

Since returning to the UK in 2018 I have been confronted with the heart-breaking reality of homelessness in England. Even more shocking to me was the number of homeless who are young people. Often running away from home to escape abusive households or being ejected from children's home because they have turned 18, they have very few options to create their life as young people in our society should.

There is a false conception that people who are homeless are in that position because of bad choices, addiction or general vagrancy. But often it's because of a chain of unfortunate events and no guidance to stop them falling deeper in to destitution has forced them into the position they're now in. 

For the young however; these are people who often have yet had the time nor opportunity to make choices in their own lives and simply by having no family to support them, have been forced to into a life of sleeping rough and simply trying to survive.

We often try to help some of these individuals with regularity in the best way we can; buying them hot-drinks, giving them spare change, spending time to talk to talk in an attempt for them to perhaps express the disparity they feel for their situation. However, it's become very apparent that these gestures can only ever provide, at most, temporary relief to these people in such desperate need. 

With estimations of at least 320,000 people are sleeping on the streets in Britain alone, I realised the problem is far larger than anything I could do by myself. It was at this point I decided that it would only make sense to try and raise a sum which could be donated to a charity which is dedicated to spending the time and attention to try to try and provide them with better opportunities.

On February 10th I will run the Worthing Half-marathon of 13 miles (21km) in an attempt to raise money for a charity in the town where I live, which is designed to help support the homeless young people in Brighton and Hove. It is our responsibility not only as a society to make sure that all members of it have the opportunity to be able to create and build their own life as they desire, but or responsibility as a species.

Training through the winter can sometime be gruelling.  The early morning runs before work, the freezing temperatures and the harsh sea winds relentless blowing. But this is simply nothing compared to those who are confronted with this every single night.

Please pledge anything you can as it will all go to The Clock Tower Sanctuary Charity who do a fantastic job helping the young homeless people of Brighton and Hove.

See you at the finish line!

Dan

About The Clock Tower Sanctuary 

The Clock Tower Sanctuary is the only drop-in service providing all-round information, advice and support to homeless young people (aged 16-25) in Brighton & Hove. The charity works with homeless young people to help prevent further decline, unlock their potential and get their lives back on track.£10 can pay for a young person to have a shower, wash their clothes, have a hot meal and talk to our specially trained volunteers. Thank you for helping homeless young people in Brighton & Hove have a chance for a brighter future.

You can find out more about The Clock Tower Santuary and ways to support the great work they do on their: https://www.thects.org.uk