I'm running Sheffield Half Marathon for Ben's Centre Reg. Charity 1087606.

2 and a half years ago, when I lost my Mum and two of my brothers and some friends in the space of a couple of years, I practically had a breakdown. I was drinking every day at work, I ended up losing my home, my job, some nights I was sleeping on the streets. On Christmas Eve 2023, with the help of Ben's Centre, who gave me encouragement and support, I managed to get into a bed and breakfast. If I hadn't been able to get into that bed and breakfast, I wouldn't be here today.

1. At that time I was still working, some nights I would sleep in Morrisons car park, a builders welfare unit, sometimes on a park bench, sometimes in the doorway at the Lyceum theatre. My life was at rock bottom. I had already been to another support service but it wasn't right for me, and then I discovered Ben's Centre. The first person I spoke to was so welcoming and warm, she brought me inside and we had a chat. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Without Ben's Centre's encouragement to keep communicating with the council, and having someone to chat to in a warm and welcoming place, I wouldn't be here today. Now I'm getting my life back, I'm working, I've got a secure place to live, and I want to give something back to Ben's Centre.