Together with other staff and volunteers, I'm running the Hackney Half Marathon on the 19th of May to raise funds to support the British Red Cross Hackney Destitution Centre, and I need your help! 

The Hackney Destitution Centre opens its doors to nearly 200 destitute Asylum Seekers and Refugees every week, providing essential items including food vouchers, clothing and toiletries to people who have no access to support and are not granted the right to work (!). It is also a pillar of the local community in Hackney, and offers a range of classes and activities, as well as a safe place for people to enjoy a warm meal, rest and socialise. 

The Hackney Half route goes past the Hackney Centre on mile 6, just before half-way of the race, so this run feels like the perfect opportunity to raise awareness and ask all of you to help this very special place meet the needs of the community. 

I know what amazing work the team of Joe, Becky and Isabel are doing at Hackney and crucially, I know that with this run and your support, any money raised will be given as cash to the centre and will go directly into the hands of people who most need it. Every little helps!