Did you know that there are almost 2,000 homeless families in Enfield?

As both a father, and someone who’s passionate about the impact that a safe and decent home can have, I was devastated to hear that there are so many homeless families living in temporary accommodation in the borough – and worse still – that this number is growing.

As the cost of housing soars and the pool of affordable homes dwindles, the number of homeless families forced to live in places like hostels and emergency B&B’s has risen by a staggering 20 per cent in Enfield in the last two years alone.

For many of these families – whether they’ve been evicted by their landlord or had their home repossessed after a job loss – Shelter is the only place they can turn to for advice and support.

On March 3 next year, I’ll be running up the 932 steps of Tower 42, the capital’s original skyscraper, in support of Shelter’s Vertical Rush fundraising challenge.

I’m calling on people in Enfield to put on their running shoes and join me in taking part by signing up at www.shelter.org.uk/verticalrush

George Clarke

Shelter ambassador