My name is IRIS, a music artist from East Anglia based in Suffolk. I’m taking on Away From Home — a season-long challenge to walk to every Ipswich Town away game during the 2026/27 season, covering around 3,000 miles (nearly 5,000 km). I’ll cycle some sections where the fixture schedule makes walking impossible.

The first journey begins on 19 August 2026, when I’ll walk approximately 200 miles from Portman Road in Ipswich to Old Trafford in Manchester ahead of Manchester United away on 30 August. The journey is expected to involve around 74 hours of walking over roughly 10 days.

I’m raising money for Shelter because homelessness is a cause that is deeply personal to me. During difficult periods in my life, I experienced homelessness myself and know how quickly life can change. Without stability, even the simplest things—finding somewhere safe to sleep, looking after your health, or planning for the future—can become overwhelming. Everyone deserves the security of a place to call home, and I want to help support people facing those challenges.

I spent much of my teenage years and early adulthood homeless myself. I slept in train stations, friends' garages and, on one occasion, even in a bin chute. I've experienced first-hand how difficult and frightening homelessness can be. With the support I received, I was able to rebuild my life, and now I want to inspire others in similar situations while raising awareness by sharing my own experiences and the stories of the people I meet along the journey.

Through this challenge, I want to turn those experiences into something positive. Along the way, I’ll document the journey through daily social-media videos and longer YouTube episodes, speak with people in the communities I pass through, collect messages and stories, and use football and music to start honest conversations about homelessness, hope and rebuilding lives.

Every donation made through this page goes directly to Shelter. Practical journey costs are supported separately through my GoFundMe, keeping the charity fundraising completely separate and transparent.

Every donation, share and message helps Shelter continue supporting people facing homelessness and housing insecurity—and helps show that no one should have to face those challenges alone.

Football gives me a destination. Music gives me a voice. The people along the way tell the story, and those without a safe place to call home give me a reason.

Follow the journey:

Instagram: @irisawayfromhome / @brandirisx

TikTok / X: @brandirisx

YouTube: IRIS Away From Home

Website: brandirisx.com/away-from-home