I have, perhaps foolishly, agreed to complete the Hackney Half Marathon. I'm more suited to cheering others on, as pictured above...

The less foolish decision, however, is to do this in support of Hackney Children and Baby Bank.

Why? Because 43% of children in Hackney live in poverty.

Hackney Children and Baby Bank support families in need living in/around Hackney with essential baby equipment - buggies, cots, highchairs - clothing, toys and toiletries from donated items & financial contributions. The baby bank has grown from an emergency community pop-up during the COVID-19 pandemic, to be a charity with premises, two part-time staff and band of volunteers.

Many of these families are led by sole parents and many have fled domestic violence or trafficking, or face unemployment and mental health issues. Last year almost 30% of families reached by Hackney Children and Baby Bank had no recourse to public funds putting them in the most financially deprived of groups.

In 2025, the baby bank provided around 2,500 clothes and toy packs along with buggies, cots and other items of baby equipment; offering a friendly, inclusive service, that works closely with local agencies to provide a life line to families.

https://www.hackneybabybank.com

Please donate if you can.