This year I'm running my very first marathon in my home city of Brighton and Hove.

I've thought about running the marathon for several years, and having seen friends and family run previously, I decided that this would be my year. I'd always planned to run on behalf of a charity, because as well as the physical challenge and benefits, I want to do some good and have others in need benefit from my efforts. My decision to run this year coincided with my growing concerns about the number of homeless people living rough on the streets of Brighton in particular. I give change when I can, but I wanted to offer more than that and to try to fight more of the cause, not the effect. That's why I'm running and fundraising on behalf of The Clock Tower Sanctuary, the only drop-in service providing all-round information, advice and support to homeless young people (aged 16-25) in Brighton & Hove.

£5 can pay for a homeless young person to have a shower, wash their clothes and prepare and eat a hot meal. £20 could provide a young person with new shoes or a shirt and tie to attend a job interview/wear on the first day of a new job. £200 could train a volunteer to support young homeless people. And £500 (my minimum fundraising target) could pay for the centre to be open for a day.

I'd really appreciate your support as I tackle this personal challenge of 26 miles and 385 yards, and I know times are tight, but any sponsorship you are able to donate would be a) so gratefully received by myself and the charity, b) a real motivator to keep me training and to get me through the course, and c) would be put to such great use by the charity: http://www.thects.org.uk/how-we-make-a-difference

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Big love,

Nick x