Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. This February, I am aiming to do 100 sit-ups a day, up to a total of 2800 by the end of the month, in support of the charity Shelter.

Rather than fumble here with a clumsy explanation of what Shelter are or do, I'd like to let them explain in their own words:

Shelter's cause is close to my heart. I have, on two occasions, very briefly been homeless. I never slept rough but lived off the back of a motorbike, motorcycling from friend's couch to friend's couch, keen to not overstay my welcome. I was one of the lucky ones - I was a well-qualified graduate with a strong network of friends and family who helped me get a more permanent roof over my head within months. The world is not always so kind to those without these lifelines and privileges.

The 2800 sit-up challenge is an imperfect metaphor for the struggle of being homeless. One hundred sit-ups in a day isn't tricky for me - I've done over 300 in one sitting before, and up to 500 in a single day - but doing it every day? That's going to be tough. But my struggle and challenge has a definite end date; by the end of February, I'll no longer be obliged to do a hundred sit-ups every day. Those affected by or at risk of homelessness don't have the same certainty, the same confidence that their problem will be done and dusted.

Solutions exist to homelessness; what we need are the ideas and the will to carry them through. 

If you're friends with me on Facebook, hopefully you'll see my updates there on my sit-up journey. Otherwise, I might try to share updates here and other places. Thanks for your support.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.