A formerly homeless Preston man has urged residents to donate to a fundraiser that will see him walk 21 miles around the Guild Wheel for a local charity.

Emmaus Preston supports Shaun, who used to live in a tent in a location where he went fishing when he became homeless after a battle with addiction and the breakdown of a relationship.

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His daughter, Makenziee Wells, has organised the walk on Sunday, 17 July, to raise funds for Emmaus, which supports her dad, focusing on daily work, welfare support and accommodation.

Read more: Preston homelessness charity to hold a sponsored walk

Shaun said: “I’m so proud of Makenziee. Before Emmaus, I didn’t bother about nobody. I didn’t even bother about my own life. Now I care for my life, my Emmaus companions and, most of all, my family and friends.

“Keep your support coming. Homelessness is an ongoing thing. All the money you spend at the shops goes back to Emmaus, which keeps us going as we don’t get government or council grants or handouts.

“If you can do something, do something for Emmaus, as whatever you do or give, it won’t be wasted, and I promise it will make a real difference to people’s lives.”

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According to research, homeless people walk over 10 miles each day, looking for food, a safe place to sleep or to escape abuse.

The money raised from the walk will help provide a home, welfare support and the opportunity to rebuild lost confidence and self-esteem, with the focus of work each day at Emmaus Preston’s three new and secondhand stores in the city.

According to Lancashire County Council, Preston reported the highest number of people seeking accommodation from homelessness out of its 12 local authorities for 2020/21.

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Preston recorded 422 households for three-quarters of the year, while in Blackpool, the yearly figure was 788.

Director Stephen Buchanan said: “At Emmaus Preston, we work to address physical and mental health issues and why people have become homeless or at risk of homelessness in the first place.

“We help people access healthcare, including support from on-site counselling facilities.

“We hope this walk will raise awareness of what life is like for someone homeless while raising money to help provide a safe and caring place for people.

“At Emmaus Preston, people can find a home until they feel ready to move on, with our support every step of the way.

“A big thank you again to Makenziee Wells, who has organised the walk for us and will lead it for the third year running!”

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A recent Amnesty commissioned poll found one in three people in the UK are concerned about becoming homeless in the next five years due to housing costs, while 41 per cent said they are concerned someone they know will.

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To donate, visit – www.justgiving.com/campaign/GuildWheelSponsoredWalk

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Have you taken part in a charity walk? Let us know in the comments below.