Update!

Well I'm pleased to say that I finished the London Marathon! Thank you very much for getting me through it! It took me 5 hours and 32 minutes and I could hardly walk for 2 days afterwards but it was all worth it. With your help, I've raised over £2000 for the Brain and Spine Foundation!!

The actual day was fantastic-lots of people lining the route and cheering (including many of you-thank you!) and it really got me through the tough bits.

Why I'm doing it

I’ve always believed strongly in the work that the charity does but in October 2008, it become much more relevant to me personally when my grandma became ill. Initially the doctors diagnosed vascular dementia but further investigations showed that she'd had a series of mini strokes too. At the time she was diagnosed, I used the Brain and Spine helpline a lot. It helped me to understand the medication she was taking, why she was behaving in the way she did and what we could expect in the future.

My grandma’s coping well with her condition and she has a strong, supportive family around her-however, many people suffer with dementia and many other neurological conditions on their own. The helpline acts as a huge support for both them and their relatives at a frightening and confusing time.

Sooo…I know I have asked you for sponsorship for smaller events in the past but this is HUGE. It is the first (and last!) marathon I will ever do-6 months of training (through the winter!), a complete change of diet and lifestyle and 26.2 miles (44k) at the end of it.

I know times are hard at the moment, but whatever you can give, however small, will help me to raise money for people like my grandma.

Thanks very much.

Sarah xxxxx

Ps don't forget to tick the Giftaid box if you're a tax payer!