On the 27th April 2025 it's my birthday. Rather than doing something sensible, fun and pain-free, like any reasonable human being, I'm going to be running the London marathon!

I ran a marathon 22 years ago and vowed never again...but kept entering the ballot for London each year. It being on my birthday in 2025 just seemed like destiny....and when I clicked on that London marathon email....I didn't get a place.

But then Shelter gave me the biggest birthday present of all time with a charity place. And I'm really proud to be running the London Marathon to support the vital services that Shelter provides. The housing crisis is a national emergency and right now, millions of people are trying to get by without a safe place to call home.

Shelter was also a charity close to my brother's heart, being a place he volunteered and one of the charities I collected donations for at his funeral. So it feels particularly fitting to run for Shelter.

The London Marathon is a huge challenge but so is the fight against the housing emergency. Please wish me a happy birthday by donating here - no matter how small - to help me though those 26.2 miles.

#AHomeIsEverything