On Sunday 26th October, I’ll be taking part in the Run Leicester Festival for the fourth time, running the Half Marathon distance.

This will actually be my 20th Half Marathon overall – something I never imagined when I lined up for my very first one in Bristol back in 2004. Two decades later, I’m still at it… and this year I’ve been training hard with the ambitious goal of making it my fastest ever.

Once again, I’ll be running as part of a team supporting the Open Hands Trust – an incredible Leicester-based charity providing practical support to individuals experiencing poverty, homelessness and unemployment.

I’ll never forget a moment from a few years ago, walking through Leicester on my way to the start line in Victoria Park wearing my Open Hands running shirt. A man spotted the logo and came over with a huge smile on his face. He told me he’d received support from Open Hands during a really difficult period in his life – and how it had helped him get back on his feet and turn things around.

That short conversation really stuck with me. It reminded me that the money raised genuinely changes lives. It’s why I continue to run for Open Hands – to help them keep making a difference for the most vulnerable people in our city.

Every week, hundreds of people visit the Open Hands Compassion Centre, where they receive emergency food, clothing and furniture, as well as support such as English classes to help them move towards independence and employment.

Open Hands truly go the extra mile for people in need in Leicester – and this October, I’ll be doing my best to do the same.

If you’re able to donate, however big or small, it really will make a difference.

Thank you so much for your support 🙏