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We are aiming to raise £8,000 to redecorate and refurbish the kitchen, conservatory and garden at Portland House. The conservatory is used as the laundry room and contains washing machines, tumble dryers as well as ironing facilities. We are looking to repaint, lay new flooring, replace washing machines and dryers and refresh the kitchen and garden areas which are currently very run down.

Why this matters

Portland House is a 15 bedded supported housing accommodation that provides a safe, welcoming environment for young people aged 18 to 24 years who may be homeless, facing hardship and need a place of safety. Every day, Portland House offers not just a roof, but stability, support and care. A well-maintained environment plays a vital role in this work. It helps residents feel valued, respected and safe and supports their journey towards independence.

However, some areas of the building are now tired and in need of essential improvement.

What we are hoping to improve

The conservatory at Portland House, which is accessed through the kitchen, is currently used as a laundry room and contains washing machines, tumble dryers and ironing facilities. It also opens into a garden area.

With your support, we are looking to:

• Repaint and redecorate the conservatory (including windows and doors) - £1,000

• Lay new, practical flooring - £850

• Replace outdated washing machines, tumble dryers and irons - £3,700

• Refresh and redecorate the kitchen including paint and new flooring - £1,430

• Refresh and restore the garden space - £1,000

These improvements will help ensure Portland House remains a comfortable and welcoming space for everyone who walks through its doors.

Taking on an incredible challenge

To help raise these vital funds, two incredible supporters, Alan Shand and Adrian Whittle, will be taking on the gruelling Cape Wrath Ultra – running an astonishing eight-day expedition endurance event covering approximately 240 miles. Alan and Adrian are both keen marathon runners and members of Newmarket Joggers AC. The event takes place from Sunday 24th May 2026 to Sunday 31st May 2026.

The route traverses the spectacular west coast of Scotland from Fort William to the northerly Cape Wrath lighthouse, with total elevation gain equivalent to 1.58 times Mount Everest. It is widely regarded as one of the toughest ultra-running events in the UK and is a serious challenge for a serious cause for a serious charity.

They will be supported every step of the way by Newmarket Open Door’s Chair, David Walker, whose support, encouragement and backing will help drive them through this extraordinary challenge to make this a success.

How your donation helps

Every contribution you make, big or small, brings us closer to our £8,000 goal:

• £10 could help buy paint and supplies

• £50 could support furnishing, décor and garden essentials

• Larger donations will fund new flooring and replacement appliances in the conservatory and provide seating, tables and fencing for the garden.

Your generosity helps to create a space that feels safe, cared for and respectful, supporting young people at a crucial time in their lives.

Please support us

If you are able to donate, share this page, spread the word. You will be helping us continue the important work of Newmarket Open Door. By supporting Alan, Adrian and David in this incredible effort, you are also supporting every person who walks through the doors of Portland House.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity – it truly makes a difference.

Biographies of the team

Alan Shand

I was born on 4th April 1955 in Forres, Scotland, and am now aged 71. I spent 40 years working in Compliance (QA/QC) within the energy sector, with experience in the North Sea, Sellafield, and later with Lloyd’s Register in the shipping industry, before retiring in 2016.

I have always been community and civically minded. Over the years, I have served as church verger at St Martin’s, Exning, and as a school governor at both primary and secondary levels. I have also been a member of political and technical institutions such as UNAUK and TWI, alongside a wide range of local organisations including Newmarket Motorcycle Club, Newmarket & District Classic Car Club, Newmarket Allotment Association, Newmarket Joggers, Newmarket Inter Faith Forum, Newmarket Sports Forum, Newmarket Rotary Club, and the Newmarket Community Awards.

Sport has played a significant role throughout my life—previously football and squash, and more recently endurance running. Over the past 20 years, I have taken on personal challenges often linked to supporting charitable causes. What began with national and international marathons for major UK charities has progressed to ultra-marathons, both on and off road. Among the many beneficiaries is a new primary school near Mpika, Zambia, supporting 460 pupils.

Now, as an ever-spirited self-motivated individual I am once again preparing to push my limits. In May 2026, I will take part with my team in the “Cape Wrath Ultra” challenge, running 240 miles over eight days across some of the UK’s toughest terrain.

Adrian Whittle

My name is Adrian Whittle and I have lived in Norfolk and Suffolk since 1992, where I have raised my family. I am a family man and I care deeply about the place I call home and the people who live and work here. I grew up in Worcester, trained as a carpenter and joiner, and served with the 2nd Battalion, Mercian Regiment (Territorial Army). Later in life, I went to university and graduated with a BA (Hons) degree.

Most of my working life has been spent in senior management roles across the NHS, delivering service improvement and efficiency programmes to help organisations provide better care. I have worked at local and national level, including helping to set up NHS Property Services Ltd as Head of Compensation. I have also worked for the Ministry of Defence, local government, the University of Cambridge, and in the commercial technology sector, including games and online sports betting.

I am proud to serve my community and was honoured to be elected as Councillor for Newmarket East Ward on West Suffolk Council in September 2025.

Outside work, I am a keen runner and a proud member of Newmarket Joggers, a fantastic local club that has supported me and helped develop my running over the years. I enjoy everything from ParkRun to marathons. I also enjoy the outdoors, good food and wine, and staying active.

I am taking on the Fort William to Cape Wrath trek to support Newmarket Open Door , a cause that matters to me. I am training hard and looking forward to the challenge alongside my friend and fellow Newmarket Jogger, Alan Shand. Thank you for your support.

David Walker

David is a former officer in the Royal Air Force and senior manager in the NHS. He currently serves as Chair of Trustees for Newmarket Open Door, supporting young people facing homelessness and vulnerability.

David is the logistics manager for the Cape Wrath Ultra Marathon, where he will be the driver, tent erector, and cook, reflecting his commitment to endurance, teamwork, and resilience.

For further information about Newmarket Open Door please visit www.newmarketopendoor.org.uk and find out more about Portland House, our Charity Shop and the Food Bank- all part of our service offered to the community.

Pictured above (left to right) Adrian Whittle and Alan Shand.