I am running the Manchester Marathon for the Big Issue North Trust because they support vendors like me to change their lives.

Last year, the Big Issue North Trust provided vendors with crisis support 1,521 times, financial support 213 times, health and wellbeing support 171 times, and support with accommodation 127 times, and supported 39 vendors into education and 11 vendors into new employment, as well as providing a range of support, including help accessing services, help getting ID, home furnishing packages and projects such as breakfast clubs. This would not be possible without your generosity.

For people with limited other means of earning an income, selling Big Issue North also provides vendors with the opportunity to build self-confidence and to interact with others.

Thank you for helping me to make these opportunities possible for others like me.