We’re very lucky that we live in a privileged world, certainly compared to that which our parents and grandparents lived in. But that doesn’t mean everyone is in the same boat and there are many, many great causes to support, but you can’t support them all.

In financial terms, life can ebb and flow. Sometimes we have a bit more or a bit less. Some months, I really struggle to balance the books and come the end of the month I’m scratching around trying to pay my tube fare to work. Other months, I have a surplus and might be able to save a bit away.

When it comes to charity, my view is to always do what you can when you can – and don’t feel guilty when you can’t. It’s quite alright to say, ‘sorry, no’ if someone is asking you for money.

It’s up to each individual to decide the causes that matter to them. For example, having never owned pets etc, animal charities aren’t really my thing but instead I support a number of health-related causes. I always like to support the causes my friends and family support as it shows love to them too and so a lot of my charity donations come in the form of sponsorships for marathons, swims, etc or backing charitable events that my friends have organised. Even small gestures like, for example, when my son’s school ask for a contribution towards a school trip, I always pay double so that another child whose family would not be able to afford it can still go. Small gestures, when you can.

And on top of that, there’s time and skills. Most charities, especially smaller ones rely on volunteers to run, so even if you don’t have cash to spare, you can still make a valuable contribution.

As I said earlier, there are so many charities, good causes and others vying for our attention and funds. It can become exhausting. But charity is so important, not just for the charities which benefit but for the benefactor too. To contribute to good causes and give something back to society, even in a small way is wholly rewarding and can benefit the soul in ways you never knew possible.