On 2nd October, I’ll be running the London Marathon... again! Thank you for taking a moment out of your day to find out why…

In 2019, I entered the London Marathon ballot for the first time and was lucky enough to get a place straight away. Due to Covid, my entry was then deferred to 2022. To avoid putting months of training and fundraising efforts for Cystic Fibrosis Trust (another charity close to my heart) to waste, I opted to run the Virtual London Marathon in 2020. Now’s my chance to run 26.2 miles all over again (but this time in London itself!) and, hopefully, raise more vital funds for another equally incredible charity. 

This year, I'll be running for a small, local charity based in Redhill called Renewed Hope. Renewed Hope has always been close to my heart, as my lovely Uncle Steve suffered from alcoholism for the majority of his adult life. This unfortunately led to him spending a few years sleeping rough in Redhill and surrounding areas, until my mum’s tireless efforts to find him some help finally paid off. The Salvation Army and SADAS managed to house him in a studio property where he spent the last years of his life.

He sadly passed away in November 2014 at the age of 62. He was the loveliest, most genuine man who was so unlucky with the cards life dealt him - I miss him a lot.

I truly believe that if Renewed Hope had been on the scene whilst my Uncle was still with us, their wonderful team would have played a big part in supporting him. Renewed Hope helps homeless, vulnerable and isolated people in Redhill, Horley, Reigate and East Surrey. With their open-door policy, Renewed Hope is a place where marginalised and vulnerable people can feel safe and accepted.

Every day, volunteers welcome guests to the Renewed Hope drop-in centre. Open throughout the year, they serve a delicious meal, give access to a shower and a change of clothes, and brew endless cups of tea. Their support worker also offers one to one support, helping guests with practical issues and linking them in with the services they need. Throughout the winter, Renewed Hope also organise winter night shelters to get people off the streets, which not only keeps their guests warm & dry but also ensures that they're safe and comfortable to enjoy a decent night's sleep. 

The need for Renewed Hope’s services is bigger than ever. Over the last six months 110 individuals visited the drop-in. 28 of them were sleeping rough, and 12 were in insecure accommodation.

I totally understand that we're living in tough times at the moment, so if you really can't spare any cash, that's okay. Please spread the word about this incredible charity instead. And if you are able to donate, please know that any donation, big or small, will truly change someone's life. Thank you.