Hello

From 14th November, alongside 3 of my close friends (pictured)I will be attempting to walk from Kathmandu via Lukla in Nepal to Mount Everest Base Camp, a total of 130km of arduous hiking . And we’re doing this to raise money for the incredible people at The Spitalfields Crypt Trust.

To me the prospect of climbing to 5,364m and descending in 14 days with just the kit and supplies on my back (plus a LOT of help from Guides and Sherpas) feels incredibly daunting, but it pales into insignificance when you think about some of the challenges people who struggle with addiction face every day.

There are currently thousands of vulnerable and disadvantaged people experiencing homelessness, poverty, mental illness across East London. And most of them are facing this alone.

For nearly 60 years the Spitalfields Crypt Trust has been working with people who’re affected by homelessness and addiction, providing the support they need for these complex issues and setting them up for a successful recovery. Every day they provide food, housing, counselling, training, support, advice and a listening ear to hundreds of people. It’s a very human approach to people who’re often left feeling inhuman, having suffered from drug and alcohol abuse.

And it works:

50% of people on their first-stage supported housing are still in abstinent recovery a year after entering the programme.

84% of people who live in their supported housing are still in abstinent recovery a year after moving in.

57% of people who took part in their development and training programme have moved on into education, training, volunteering or employment.

The SCT have an incredible team of support workers who work tirelessly to transform the lives of people less fortunate than themselves. But they can’t do this alone, they’re reliant on the money they raise from fundraising efforts to cover the cost of rehabilitation and training programmes. So, if you’d like to have a tangible impact on the lives of vulnerable people across East London then I’d welcome any support you feel able to provide. You can donate by clicking on the link above.