NICK Abbey, chief executive of Hereward Housing, is pounding the streets round Ely to help homeless people. Nick is in training to run in the Flora London Marathon again this year and is aiming to raise £10,000 for CRISIS, the national charity for homeles

NICK Abbey, chief executive of Hereward Housing, is pounding the streets round Ely to help homeless people.

Nick is in training to run in the Flora London Marathon again this year and is aiming to raise £10,000 for CRISIS, the national charity for homeless people.

Over the past four years, thanks to the generosity of many people, Nick has raised more than £34,000.

And when he goes to the starting line in London on April 23 he will be aiming for a time of 3hrs 30min to beat his previous best of 3hrs 53min.

He said: "About 500 people sleep outside around England on any one night and there are over 380,000 single homeless people living temporarily in hostels, squats, on friends' floors, in B&Bs or in other forms of temporary accommodation.

"CRISIS uses money in different ways to help provide lasting solutions and £1 could buy a hat or a pair of gloves to keep a homeless person warm in winter while £100 buys essential furniture for a homeless person who has recently moved into a home."

Nick added: "Any promise or contribution, large or small, will be gratefully acknowledged."

Email a pledge to nick.abbey@herewardhousing.org.uk or make a donation by visiting www.justgiving.com/nickabbey" or by sending a cheque payable to Nick Abbey (Marathon) to Nick Abbey, Hereward Housing, St Mary's Lodge, St Mary's Street, Ely, Cambs CB7 4EY.

Are you running in this year's marathon? We would like to hear from all local runners, whether you are a serious competitor or running for fun. Contact our newsdesk on 01353 667831 and ask for Ben Jones or Debbie Davies or email: ben.jones@archant.co.uk or debbie.davies@archant.co.uk