Hi Everyone,

My name is Dan and I am running the London Marathon to attempt to raise some money for a great charity called Veterans Aid that has helped me get to where I am now in my life!

Veterans Aid work with ex-servicemen and women who find themselves in need of immediate assistance. I first went to Veterans Aid in 2012 after finding myself homeless and on the streets of London, with no money, no place to go and no hope. 

After confirming with the armed forces that I did indeed serve they didn't ask any further questions and found me a hotel to stay in over the weekend and said come back on Monday. They even provided me with a meal and some shopping vouchers to get me through the weekend. On the Monday I moved in to their hostel in East London, where the real help began. They provided me with clothes, cleaning products, a room, mental and physical medical help and most of all HOPE! I stayed there for a year or so and during this time they sent me on training courses, events and even found me a new place to live. 

Once I had moved out of the hostel my help didn't stop there and after getting in to a bit of trouble they paid for me to go to rehab to finally rid my demons! 

In October 14th 2015 I will have now gone a year addiction free, I have a place to call my own, I have a part time job and I am back at college. 

Without the help of Veterans Aid there is no saying where I would be right now. They are a small charity who aren't even that well known to current serving members in our military. But the help they provide is amazing and my gratitude to them is beyond words!

Which is why I wish to aim as much money as possible to provide not veterans aid... but another veteran with the help and support I recieved! Because I know that's how the money will be spent!

Please, please, please help me reach my target! And thank Veterans Aid for everything they have done for me and every other Veteran that finds their way on VAs doorstep!