On 7th April 2024 I will be running my first every Half Marathon to raise money for the Society of St James, a homeless charity based in Hampshire that provides much needed care and support to vulnerable people experiencing homelessness, which in 2013 included me.

After my mental health deteriorated I found myself homeless and with nothing, yet I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones because I was scooped up and put back on my feet by The Society of St James.

I had a roof over my head and 1-2-1 support that helped me find my place in the world again.

11 years on and I’m still incredibly grateful for all the help they gave me and can whole heartily say the charity saved me in so many ways.

Every penny donated will directly help the Society of St James provide meaningful activities, education and work experience to people facing a combination of problems including homelessness, addiction and other complex needs.

Your donations will help them get more lives turned back around, the same way they helped me turn my life around.

As someone who only started a running in October I know this race won’t be easy, but knowing I’m doing it to raise money for such a fantastic charity is going to spur me on, so please donate if you can!!

Thank you.

Gemma.