Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

I managed to complete the race in a new personal best time of 3 hours 31 minutes and 9 seconds. The last 4 miles were hard as my legs slowly died in the heat and I tried to ignore the blisters on both feet. En route I overtook a large carrot, two Smurfs and Gordon Ramsay... A big thank you from myself and the Manna Society to everyone who has sponsored me and to those of you who came along on the day to cheer me on!

There is still time to make a donation - please take a moment to read on about the work of the Manna Society and how you can support them in their work. 

This was my second fundraising marathon for the Manna Society, a small charity that provides help for the poor, homeless, vulnerable and marginalised. Many of the 150-200 people who use its daily drop-in service at London Bridge have undergone much hardship in life.

The Manna provides a different experience – an open door, few questions asked, flexible and practical help with compassion and tolerance. In this environment and with the right approach, the real person can emerge from beneath the ‘street-wise’ stereotype.

For seven years, as a mental health nurse, I contributed to the services that the Manna provides and I am now a Trustee.

Barry’s story (name and some details are changed to maintain confidentiality)

Barry arrived in London from his hometown after a childhood of abandonment by his parents and the experience of abuse in children’s homes. He didn’t learn to read and write very well and wasn’t able to hold down a job for long. In his late teens he began to develop schizophrenia – finding it hard to concentrate and organise his thoughts, hearing critical and derogatory voices and believing that he was under surveillance and being persecuted by others. In reality he also experienced much rejection and discrimination, which only made things worse. 

Drinking heavily, leaving hostel accommodation when his fear became unbearable and keeping others at arm’s length became his survival strategies and led to a life of street homelessness for twenty years.  

Despite this, he retained a keen sense of humour and gradually, over four years of contact with my team at the Manna (a place that unconditionally accepted him and to which he kept returning), he finally took up the offer of supported accommodation and began to receive treatment for his mental health problems. 

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Manna Society gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Please support the Manna Society by sponsoring me  – it regularly transforms the lives of people like Barry.