Running has become very important to me as a way of decreasing my anxiety, negative thought cycles and as an escape from the sometimes all consuming pressures of busy, everyday life. I have gradually managed to increase my speed over short distances, but in 2019 I have set myself the much bigger challenge of completing my first ever half-marathon. 

I am running the Milton Keynes Half Marathon for the Winter Night Shelter. Every year, between the coldest months of December and March, the Winter Night Shelter open the doors of local churches and community centres to house the city’s homeless overnight. They have now managed to secure a prominent, permanent base - the old Bus Station Building. We are, therefore, raising money to help create 'Unity Park Station' which will be the go-to location for anyone struggling with the mental, emotional and physical issues surrounding homelessness and looking for free, confidential, help and support.

During all of my training runs I'll be so thankful that I have a warm and safe home to return to. I wish charity didn't have to be the answer to homelessness in the twenty first century but I'm hoping I'll be able to do my bit to support such a fantastic local cause. 

Ali xx