Slightly foolishly, I've been talked into running a whole marathon, after promising for years that I wouldn't and refusing to understand why anyone would.  So, on the basis that I've admitted I was wrong and am now going to have to rather publicly demonstrate it, you should dig deep and sponsor me just to ease the pain of my husband's smugness at being proved right about my ability to run further than to the kitchen.

The photo on this page is of Jo, Kirsty and me, following the Stroud Half Marathon in October 2007.  We completed it in 2hrs 13mins, a time that we were very proud of.  Let's hope we look as perky after running twice as far!

The money raised from the London Marathon will help Grooms-Shaftesbury to provide a variety of care services for people with disabilities, from a Specialist Brain Injury Centre to a range of residential care homes and services. The charity runs a horticultural nursery providing employment training for people with physical and learning disabilities .  Grooms-Shaftesbury also builds specialist wheelchair accessible housing and offers holidays for disabled holiday makers, their family, carers or friends.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Grooms-Shaftesbury will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now.

Thank you.  Helen