A group of volunteers from Slough Homelessness charity are getting ready to set off on the virtual London marathon this weekend.

In a mission to end homelessness, their target of £10,000 will help the day centre to stay afloat while supporting rough sleepers with essentials and support to help them get off the street.

On Sunday, October 2, 12 volunteers from SHOC (Slough Homeless our concern) alongside sister charity Trinity will walk/run the 26.2 mile marathon through Slough.

Stuart Adnitt, director of housing said: “We all decided to sign up two months ago for the virtual marathon which was put into fruition by our colleague, Claire.

“As we are a self-funded organisation, we don’t have government contracts and we aren’t commissioned by Slough Borough Council so the way we raise money is through fundraising and applying for charitable grants.”

“It just seemed like a great way to both raise awareness about the charity and hopefully get one step closer to ending homelessness.”

The day centre, which is open six days a week in Slough, caters for single people who have found themselves in a situation where they are sleeping rough or those at risk.

Practical essentials such as showers and washing machines, as well as signposting and coaching is also available.

As the cost of living rises and energy costs continue to increase, the charity have found their energy bills have risen due to the amount of electricity that is used for showers and washing machine use.

Stuart explained: “We rent the building and we have definately are feeling the pressure as energy bills are rising. Through fundraising such as the marathon on Sunday, it will allow us to carry on the service.

“To me, it’s a big community asset in the town because we’re the only place people can walk in face to face. The council is now through the telephone, and they only do walk in by appointment.

“As far as I’m aware we are the only place left where you can walk in for help and digital exclusion is a big thing for our guests. They can’t afford smart phones, or they get stolen or go missing so having that face-to-face service is great for our guests.

“We don’t know when we are  going to get to that point in time but our aim is to end homelessness. It’s an aim that is challenging but that’s why we are here.

“While there is a need for us we just have to keep going and fundraise anyway we can to keep the doors open."