Running a marathon is a stupid thing to do. I ran one last year and had to get up before dawn almost every day to run in the cold and the dark. I got bloody thighs and nipples and twanging heels just from the training. And after I’d finally run the thing, the only way I could get my legs to go downstairs was to walk backwards.

So now I’m running another one. But this year, to make it less stupid, I’m raising money for the Clock Tower Sanctuary, a drop-in day centre for young people experiencing homelessness in Brighton. If you want to support their wonderful work, or if you just want to see me walk down a flight of stairs in reverse, please give what you can. Thank you!

Here’s a bit more about CTS: Experiencing homelessness means not having a safe, secure and private place to call your own. About 25% of the young people we help are rough sleeping. Many are considered to be part of the 'hidden homeless' population - they might be sleeping on a floor or 'sofa-surfing,' or living in a temporary hostel.

The young people who come to CTS for help are often struggling with their mental health and their physical health can be suffering too particularly if they are sleeping outside.

They usually have very little money and nowhere else to turn. They have often been let down by adults in their lives and can find it hard to trust others. Many have experienced trauma in their early lives.

CTS is a warm, friendly place and they have a great team of supportive staff and volunteers who can help these young people get the help they need.