Last spring, I managed to drag myself through the Annecy marathon with less than eight weeks to train. This coming year, I have set myself a bigger, more impressive challenge: the Paris marathon. However, I will not be doing it for myself this time; I will be running to raise money for a charity that is truly making a difference.

The charity, Shelter, raises funds and provides support to people who are not as fortunate as you and me, who find themselves without a roof over their heads. Life can sometimes deal unexpected cards, leaving some without a place to live. This is where Shelter comes in; the great work they do provides individuals with resources—whether legal, financial, or advisory—to help them find a home. They stand by one of the core principles of our society that many of us take for granted: the right to have a safe place to live. Having seen how the housing crisis and cost of living crisis have pushed many families and individuals to their limits, I firmly believe in the work Shelter is doing to combat the housing crisis and help those in need.

So, this is who I will be running for in the 2025 Paris marathon. From now until April, I will have my pedal to the metal, preparing to complete this challenge not only as a trial for personal growth but also as an effort to make our society a slightly better place.