The Marathon Man returns

KUMB.com regular Colin Wells is running the 2009 London Marathon - and looking for your support.

Colin - whose marathon exploits we have carefully followed here on KUMB in recent years, and who readily admits to being 'closer to 50 than 40' - has come out of (semi) retirement to run this year's event on behalf of housing charity Shelter.

"Shelter has a national network of 27 local advice centres offering expert information, advice and advocacy," explains Colin. "Advisers let people know what their rights are and explain their housing options.

"Advisers help citizens negotiate with councils, landlords and lenders, and help with disability and/or care needs, debt problems and welfare benefits.

"Homeless to Home projects help families that have been living in temporary accommodation to settle in permanent homes. For more than 40 years, Shelter has campaigned for a decent home for all, including a Children's Service which aims to end child homelessness.

"Tens of thousands of children in Britain are homeless. Growing up without a permanent home has adverse affects on children's health, education and wellbeing. Practical help is given to vulnerable children through six regional projects, which helped 24,824 children and young people last year."

Colin, for whom this year's event will be his 19th London Marathon, has received generous backing in the past from fellow KUMB.com readers - and he is once again asking for your generous support as he looks to reach his fundraising target.

"A big thank you," he adds, "to all KUMBER's who have sponsored me over the years, including this, and I hope people can (yet again) sponsor me for such a good charity."

To sponsor Colin, visit http://www.justgiving.com/colinwells2009.