My wife, Catherine, and I were woken up by a helicopter in the very early hours of Wednesday 14 June, and saw Grenfell Tower, which is about 300m from where we live, ablaze.  We ran to the local community centre where Catherine teaches English, and helped to open it up to give shelter and relief. 

Given the magnitude of the tragedy, many local organisations threw their doors open to those in need, and helped, a key one being the Rugby Portobello Trust, the closest to the site of Grenfell Tower.  I have lived within a long stone's throw of its offices for many years - so know it reasonably well, and have seen the outstanding work that it does to give many who might otherwise have impaired life chances a second opportunity.

They focus on helping children aged 3 to 19 by giving support with reading and homework, as well as offering them activities they otherwise wouldn’t have access to - music, art and alternative sports such as trampolining and dance. They provide parenting support for young parents who may lack positive role models; and they also provide help to those directly affected by the Grenfell fire, a tragedy which has impacted the whole borough.

It is now seven months since the fire, but the challenges faced by the area remain considerable.  It is an area of demographic, financial, social and sociological contrasts. While most of the money to help survivors has come from the local council with central government also giving some help, organisations and bodies such as RPT have a vital ongoing role to play, helping both victims of the fire, and those who live nearby.  Having been here for 125 years, RPT are committed to the area and are here for the long-term.  Over the years, they have helped transform the lives of many.  I wish to express my commitment and respect for their hard work, by running this April’s London marathon for them, and in so doing, raise vital funds so they can continue their amazing work.

Please tick the gift aid box, if you pay UK income tax.  This is highly tax efficient, costing you nothing, but increases the value of your gift by 25%.