I hate running, and avoid it whenever possible, but it feels right to experience the pain of running 13.1 miles in order to raise vital funds for young families who are struggling. Please sponsor me to complete this challenge, with whatever you can spare, and be assured that your donation will be used wisely, to make the maximum difference.

I have recently joined the small, local charity, Home-Start Southern Oxfordshire, where we support families with young children across the whole of Southern Oxfordshire, to navigate their challenging times. We achieve this through a network of trained volunteers, who are paired up with families for up to a year, visiting them every week and providing non judgemental support, a listening ear, help and advice as appropriate, and friendship.

Times are tough, and we are inundated by more requests for help than ever, from people who are struggling financially, often single parent families, many of whom have moved into this area to escape domestic abuse, and who are lonely, isolated, and in desperate need of help to bring up their children.

The following quote is typical of those we receive from the 100+ families whom we help every year:

“[My volunteer] has been an absolute staple to our week and has helped me in so many positive ways. I almost owe my life to her. I suffered with severe anxiety and agoraphobia to the point I did my shopping online. Now I go to groups, we go for walks, I do my shopping in the supermarket and I feel like such a better person mentally and physically.” - Supported Family