Pop Star Will Young is running the Virgin London Marathon for Catch22, the local young people’s charity with a national reach, this Sunday (17 April 2011). He officially opened the marathon today!

So far the star, who recently said he would run in a mankini next year if he raised £40,000 for Catch22, has been training as far afield as Australia, North America, Africa and, most recently, with young people from Catch22 in Sheerness.

Will Young says: “Training across four continents for such a momentous run has been a real challenge, but one I am happy to embrace. I’ve met many young people at Catch22, such as the young people I trained with recently from Catch22 in Sheerness, who have overcome seemingly impossible situations. I always keep that in mind when the going gets tough in my training.”

Will is now calling on the public to sponsor him for the 26 mile long run across London this Spring.

The funds raised will go onto support Catch22’s work with young people facing difficult situations throughout the UK. They may be care leavers, NEET (Not in Education, Training or Employment), at risk of offending or young offenders.

Catch22’s programmes help young people find solutions that are right for them, whether it be helping a young person access training and education services, through housing support services, working with families at risk of breaking down, or running community sports and environmental activities to help those at risk of offending to engage with their communities.

Joyce Moseley, Catch22 chief executive, says: “At Catch22 we believe nothing is impossible. The funds raised by Will Young and our other runners will have a great impact on the lives of young people overcoming difficulties. Will Young is an inspirational ambassador for the charity and I hope people dig deep into their pockets to support him.”

The clock is ticking so don’t miss your chance to donate! Will has set up a Just Giving page so that you can help support Catch22. You can log on and donate to www.justgiving.com/Will-Young

For more information about Catch22 and to finds out how you can participate in future running events, please log onto www.catch-22.org.uk