Influential folk musician and writer of 'Streets of London', Ralph McTell, is set to play a birthday concert at the Half Moon in Putney this evening (Dec 7) in support of Crisis, the national charity for homeless people.

The singer gives annual concerts to mark his birthday on December 3, which in recent years have helped to raise thousands of pounds for Crisis and its vital work to support homeless people through housing, health, education and employment services.

Responding, Chief Executive of Crisis, Jon Sparkes, said: “We’d like to thank Ralph for his continued support, which has raised thousands of pounds for our life changing services.

“Written in the late 1960s, ‘Streets of London’ offered a glimpse into the daily lives of homeless people in Croydon. Sadly, nearly 50 years later, growing numbers still have no choice but to sleep on the streets. This is a desperate state of affairs, and shows why the support of people like Ralph, and the many others who give their time and money, is needed now more than ever.

“As we approach Christmas, most people can look forward to spending time with family and friends, but for homeless people it can be one of the hardest periods of the year – a time to be endured rather than enjoyed. That’s what makes our work at Christmas so important. Every year, Crisis opens its doors to thousands of homeless people, offering a safe, warm welcome with food and companionship, as well as access to vital services.

“None of this would be possible without the generosity and compassion of people who help make Christmas happen for some of society’s most vulnerable people.”