After 4hrs 20mins (and 10 secs) I managed to cross the finishing line - what a welcome sight! The experience (which in retrospect was great fun but seemed like torture at the time) was made all the more worthwhile in the knowledge that the money raised would be going to 2 wonderful charities - I can really appreciate what those poor, hot, working donkeys and horses have to put up with every day.

I didn't notice many of the London sights - just the mile markers and the fantastic crowds...and not forgetting Batman, Bananaman, Elvis and The Stig who overtook me at high speed at various stages !! The trainers are resting (for now) and the legs are almost fully recovered....the feet may take a little longer (not a pretty sight!).

To date the total sum raised for both charities has just topped £2,000 and more money is still coming in. It's not too late if you still want to donate - this page will be active until the end of July. THANK-YOU ALL VERY MUCH FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT- it is hugely appreciated. I will be in touch with all of you individually very soon.

Debbie Waddell (I ran under my married name to add to confusion!)

The Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust is a small charity that works hard to improve the health and welfare of the horses and donkeys in this small, poor African country. I have been out to The Gambia to help to train the paravets and to see the work that the charity does. The Gambian villagers rely on these animals for their living - horses and donkeys are truly the little white vans of Africa. The charity is doing a wonderful job to educate the owners of the horses and donkeys how to look after them better and to provide basic veterinary treatment and preventive healthcare. I was born in Africa and being able to give a little something back to the people and animals means a lot to me. Any donations, however big or small, I know will be put to good use by the charity.