I’m running the Ealing Half Marathon on 29 September for a brilliant little charity that helps homeless people in Ealing, because I’ve been volunteering there for a few years now and I’ve seen first hand how it can really have an impact on some people and change their lives.

It’s called Ealing Churches Winter Night Shelter https://ecwns.org.uk/ the only winter Night Shelter in the borough of Ealing, which provides emergency night shelter over the five winter months (November – March) for homeless people by converting the church halls into shelters. The churches alternate various nights. (Registered Charity Number 1152768)

The guests are not only given a safe bed for the night, they also get a hot meal, breakfast and a welcoming atmosphere. In addition to this a support worker individually helps the guests with trying to find them permanent accommodation.

Twenty churches participate in the scheme and a team of volunteers at each venue turns the church hall into a dormitory, making beds, cooking meals, washing dishes, doing the laundry and making the guests feel at home.

Ealing has the 4th highest level of rough sleepers across the boroughs of London with 710 people reported to be sleeping rough on the streets of Ealing in 2023-2024.

My aim is to raise £350 – if you could help I’d be very grateful and you’ll be helping a homeless person to get their life back on track! ☺

Thank you, thank you, thank you!