akt is the only national charity dedicated to providing support for LGBTQ+ young people who are either at risk of homelessness or currently experiencing it. These individuals often find themselves homeless precisely because of their identity.

The trust's mission is to offer essential services that cater to the specific needs of LGBTQ+ youth, ranging from emergency housing advice to finding their community.

I was immensely fortunate. When I came out to my family and friends, I received overwhelming support - they've gone on to take my husband Paul completely to their hearts.

I've been incredibly fortunate, too, in my working life. After leaving full-time ministry in the Church of England at the age of 40, in order to leave a more open life, my very first agency temporary post took me into a community that welcomed me with open arms. I was fully open within weeks, a permanent post soon came my way freshly-minted with so much scope over two decades to make it my own and I've had a work-home there ever since.

Others have it SO much tougher, either in their work or home life - or both.

As a thank you for my good fortune and for all the support I've received from family, friends and work colleagues, I've been moved to set up this fundraising page as a way of supporting some of those denied such good fortune.

If you can, please consider supporting. We'd had a tradition of charity days at work combined with a colour day in the office. I've suggested the rainbow for the day I retire, this Friday - any one of the rainbow colours or more. You're very welcome to join in the colour theme wherever you are, and whether you donate or not. We need to celebrate the diversity of which we're all a part more than ever right now.

Most of all, please accept my thanks for all the support you've given me down the years and the many ways that many of you have made me at home for short periods or long ones. I'm profoundly grateful.

Thank you for everything

Mark