Story
“Homelessness can affect anyone. People see you as intimidating, yet you’re ignored, spat at, or looked straight through. There have been hours when not a single person met my eyes. Parents pull their children away. You feel dirty, invisible. Sitting on cold pavement, asking strangers for help slowly strips away your dignity and self‑worth.
Waking up with no money means begging before you’ve eaten, frantic with the worry of whether you will eat at all. If that fails, you search bins for leftovers. I never planned my life like this.
It makes you question your worth. But there are moments of hope. A stranger leaves food beside your head. Someone brings a cup of tea. Sometimes all it takes is a smile to help you keep going.”
— James Beavis, doctor who spent a month living on the streets, Homelessness in Crisis Report
Every day of the year, Deborah O’Sullivan runs a food rescue service with a small group of volunteers. Working with over 30 shops, they collect food destined for landfill and redistribute it to people experiencing homelessness, struggling families, children, and refugees. They reach around 1,000 people every week — with no formal funding.
Many of those helped are there because of life‑changing events: abuse, job loss, illness, or mental health struggles.
This cause offers more than food. It offers warmth, kindness, conversation, and dignity — sometimes the only human connection someone will have that day.
Im running 12km this Saturday 2nd May to help raise funds. A small donation goes a long way. Just £5 can help run the food rescue service and feed several people. Donations can be made anonymously if you prefer. Equally if this isn’t a cause you’re able to support, we completely understand.
Thank you for reading, caring, and helping to make a difference.