A TEAM of Ealing Half Marathon runners have raised more than £12,000 for a homeless shelter in the borough.

Thirteen runners took part in the 13.1-mile race last month to raise funds for Ealing Churches Winter Night Shelter (ECWNS).

Supported by 20 churches and more than 200 volunteers, ECWNS provides shelter, meals and support with services like doctors’ appointments to the homeless in Ealing.

Charity trustee James Gillespie, who took part in the race, said: “We even had some of our guests that had used the shelter in the past cheering us on.

“It was incredible to have that kind of support, and it was really, really enjoyable.

“To know that we’re affecting these people in our community, it just makes it a really worthwhile experience.”

Mr Gillespie said the rising  cost of living has driven homelessness to unprecedented levels in London.

According to the charity Trust for London, Ealing was the borough with the third highest number of rough sleepers in 2023-4.

Money raised by the runners will go towards helping the charity’s network of churches provide for around 14 guests per night, from November through to March.

ECWNS has a number of other fund-raisers this year, including a quiz night at 7:30pm on November 14 at All Saints Church.

For further details or to book a place, contact belinda@gbparchitects.co.uk or call 07747 842351.

Residents can also attend two carol-singing events this December.

The first will take place from 6-8pm on December 10 at West Ealing Waitrose, while the second will be on the 18th at Greenford Station, 5-7pm.

People can also register to run for ECWNS in next year’s half marathon, and volunteer with the charity to help with tasks like preparing and serving food or setting up beds.