This year I've decided to give myself a bit more of a challenge by running the Chester Marathon (lovely, hilly course) on the 7th October, then the week afterwards running the Manchester Half Marathon on 14th October. While I'd planned to do the Chester Marathon, the Manchester Half has been added on, and for a good reason...

A group of staff from Manchester City Council and partner organisations are running the Manchester Half Marathon on October 14th to raise money for the Big Change Manchester.

Big Change Manchester is a group of Manchester charities, organisations and voluntary sector agencies providing services for homeless people who have come together to tackle homelessness in the city. The Big Change is working together to provide sustainable, long-term solutions to homelessness.

Money donated to the Big Change campaign fund and will provide homeless people with the practical items they need to build new lives off the streets. This can include help with furnishing a new flat, purchasing crockery, pots and pans and bed linen, and travel to new accommodation. As people are coming off the streets need money urgently, there won't be a lengthy application process and funds can be issued almost immediately by accredited members of homeless organisations.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.