Although relatively new to running, on July 13th, I am running in the London 10K road race. This is double what I normally run and in doing so, want to help a local Staffordshire Charity.

In recent times, there has been a big increase in the number of families asking for beds for their children.

It is estimated that 8000 (yes, 8000) children in North Staffordshire alone do not have a proper bed of their own. No child should sleep on the floor. It's heart-breaking and we want to change this which is why my chosen charity 'Emmaus North Staffs' works to tackle furniture poverty and have launched 'Beds for Kids'.

Having very little sleep, or no sleep, can have a serious affect on all of us, and even more so on the physical and mental development of a young child in their formative years.

Together, we can help give a child a good nights sleep.

Each time we raise £200, Emmaus will donate a new Bed Pack (with bed, mattress & bedding) to a local child in Stoke-on-Trent and surrounding areas. My target is to provide at least 20 beds.

I have never run this distance before but hopefully this urgent worthwhile cause will help spur me on through the London streets.

Any donation will be greatly appreciated and make such a difference for something we take for granted

Thank you so much,

Mark.