UPDATE: 29 April

Yes, I did it! I completed the course in 04:24:48, finishing in position 3,593 out of more than 35,000 runners. I really wasn't expecting to get sunburn, but that's been worse than my legs!

Again, thanks to everyone for your support and encouragement, which made training, er... almost bearable! Erica and Jason: I hugely appreciate you coming to London for moral support at the 20 mile mark. Erica: I can't thank you enough for making the tutu. Paul: the emergency tea/hot chocolate hamper for after the run was a really thoughtful surprise. Thanks a lot!

To the many wonderful VVF and Viva! supporters. You've been AMAZING! Thanks so much for your lovely cards and well wishes.

We're over half way towards reaching the fundraising target of £5k for the VVF!!!

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Thanks for visiting my fundraising page. On Sunday 26 April 2009, I’ll be running the London Marathon (26.2 miles!) in a bid to raise at least £5,000 for the Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation (VVF).

For the past three years I’ve worked as the VVF’s senior nutritionist. I’ve seen first hand what a difference people's donations make, and I’m proud of all that the VVF has achieved in its six year history.

We’ve reached thousands of health care professionals through our exhibitions at conferences and health centres; and have reassured foster carers that it is not only safe, but desirable, to raise children without meat and dairy. We are increasingly being recognised as an authority on preventing and treating cardiovascular disease, with repeated invites from the Stroke Association to talk to groups of stroke survivors and carers.

We've organised our own public talks and events, exposing the health consequences of consuming dairy, meat and fish, and revealing the strong links between diet and breast cancer. Our inspirational V-Plan Diet Tour has notched up twelve stops nationwide to date, including two successful Veggie Living, Health & Slimming Shows – giving practical guidance and inspiration on how to eat more healthily.

Equally as important is our skilled work with young people – opening their eyes to the health impact of eating animal products and to the cruelty of livestock production. Our 120 trained speakers are taking the veggie message and cookery demos into schools throughout the UK with positive and dramatic effects. This winter we’ll be re-launching our Safeguarding Children’s Health campaign with an exciting new website for both parents and kids.

Please can you sponsor me to make the many months of dark winter training, blisters and leg aches worthwhile? All money raised will help support the VVF’s vital campaigns. With your help, we can achieve so much more. Many thanks indeed for your support.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation. So please sponsor me now!