Grainne Cavanagh, Nick Sampson and Judith Macbean on Highbury Fields during Move 24, which raised more than £10,200 for Depaul UK

A PERSONAL trainer who led a 24-hour relay across Highbury Fields and the Emirates Stadium has so far raised more than £10,000 to help end youth homelessness.

Nick Sampson, who has worked in fitness in the borough for 14 years, held the inaugural Move 24 relay two years ago, an event which also raised more than £10,000.

Mr Sampson told the Tribune he was inspired by a client to do something about homelessness. “It is all around London, obviously. It’s embarrassing and it’s shameful for the city and the country,” he said. “Whatever people’s individual views are, I think we can all agree that a scared, vulnerable young person with nowhere safe and warm to call home is completely unacceptable.

“It’s a relentless mental and physical struggle, so that’s what we tried to symbolise with a 24-hour baton run.”

From left: Ella Johnson, Nick Sampson, Chris Pun and Muna Ahmed on the final lap of Highbury Fields on September 19 as the 24-hour challenge came to an end

Around 35 people took turns holding the baton from 1pm on Friday to 1pm on Saturday, with at least one person on the move at all times during the 24-hour period.

Mr Sampson said the youngest runner was around two and a half years old, and the oldest 65. The challenge raised money for Depaul UK, a charity that was founded in response to a spike in homelessness during the 1980s.

It began as a single housing project in north London and now provides accommodation, and prevention and support services to young people across the country.

“I think people don’t know what to do about homelessness, they’re embarrassed,” Mr Sampson said.

“You’ve walked past and you’re busy and you’re off to work, you’ve got your own life and you think, well, that’s a horrendous thing, that person’s wet and cold, but what do I do about it?” he said.

“I thought that so many times and thought, right, I should do something about it.”