A SPONSORED walk with a difference is to be held in aid of the Christian Kitchen.

The Christian Kitchen offers food to homeless people in and around Walthamstow and the walk, to take place on August 22, has been organised by residents of Branches homeless hostel, in Union Close, Leytonstone.

Starting from the hostel at about 9.30am, the walk will go through Walthamstow and will be about 10 miles long.

Wayne Walton, who organised the walk and has been homeless for about a year, said: “It's the homeless doing something for the homeless. We felt there needed to be a togetherness and a unity.”

Mr Walton became homeless when he lost his rented room and could not find anywhere else to stay.

He said: “I was living in Farnan Avenue, close to where Branches used to be. I had just moved there but my landlady needed the room back as she wanted to foster.”

He then visited landlords and went to various councils but was unable to find new accommodation and ended up at Branches.

“I was unemployed and that compounded the issue,” Mr Walton said.

“But one of the good things about being here is that this walk is happening.”

Steve Bell, 53, and Omodele Laniyan, 35, who have both been homeless for several months, are also taking part.

Mr Laniyan lost his job and struggled to pay his bills, forcing him to leave his flat in Clifford Road, Walthamstow.

He said: “I had to sleep in some very rough places and lost many valuable items as they were stolen.

“I'm just trying to get my life back together. I see a better future now that I've got a roof over my head.”

Mr Bell was forced to leave his family home in Chigwell following the break up of his marriage and spent time in prison after breaching a restraining order taken against him by his ex-wife.

Mr Bell said: “When we heard about the walk, we all felt it was a great idea and decided to go for it.”

He is now hoping to secure incapacity benefit as he feels the strain of losing his home and his job has left him unable to work.

The walk is aimed at raising funds and awareness of homelessness.

To donate, call Branches on 8556 2333 or send a cheque payable to Christian Kitchen to Waltham Forest YMCA, 642 Forest Road, E17 3EF.