Actress Lorna Fitzgerald, best known for her role as Abi Branning in EastEnders, has confirmed she will join hundreds of runners taking part in this year’s Crouch End 10k.

Lorna said: “This is a great community event and raises a lot of money for amazing causes.

“I’ve always enjoyed running, but it’s easy to put off going, until your jeans get too tight,” she said.

The 21-year-old added she was attracted by the community spirit and shared sense of achievement the event inspires.

“Can’t wait to see everyone there. Good luck and see you at the finish line,” she said.

The YMCA North London’s Fun Runs – combining one adult 10k and nine single mile children’s fun runs – raises funds for young homeless people at the charity’s Crouch End hostel.

A study put together by YMCA England found that last year more than one in five people recognised as homeless were aged 16-24 – a total of 13,030 young people in England.

And according ot the YMCA the figures do not include the suspected “hidden homeless” – with as many as one third of young people having “sofa-surfed” because they had nowhere else to stay.

The fun runs and festival take place from 9am to 5pm on Sunday in Priory Park, N8. For more information go to ymcanorthlondon.org.uk and to donate visit justgiving.com.