**Marathon now deferred until April 2022. Please see my update from 10th September. Thank you*

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit this page and read my story. It means so much to me.

On the 12th September, I will be combining my love of running with my passion for a kinder world and will wend my way around 26.2 miles in Brighton! 

Completing a marathon will be a huge personal challenge for me, and I am so grateful to The Vegan Society for giving me this opportunity. Following my surgical menopause in 2013, running has been instrumental in rebuilding both my physical and mental health. Unfortunately, my first marathon attempt, in 2017, was thwarted when I developed a stress fracture (after foolishly continuing to train whilst injured). I have now learnt my lesson, and am far better prepared!

So, why The Vegan Society? Veganism is "a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude - as far as is possible and practicable - all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and the use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of humans, animals and the environment." It is, at its core, a social justice movement, and one to which I am fully committed.

Having been a life-long animal advocate, I became vegan in 2016 when I finally accepted I was not living in line with my own ethical principles. I only wish I had taken this step much sooner, but we live in a non-vegan world (and hindsight is a wonderful thing!). Although my reasons for becoming vegan were not rooted in personal health, I experienced unexpected benefits (resolution of IBS symptoms, lower cholesterol, weight loss and better exercise recovery). This then fuelled my interest in plant-based nutrition, adding an extra string to my bow as a GP. I have since met lots of other vegan and plant-based health care practitioners, and it's a joy to know there are now so many of us out there!

Compassion for animals extends to compassion for all, including people, the environment and ourselves. We are all connected. Our planet is at a crisis point in terms of climate change, zoonotic disease (e.g., Covid19) and social injustice(s). However, we have the power to change this. Every decision we make (or don't make) has consequences. Having said that, taking the first step is easier for some than it is for others. I am well aware how lucky I am to be able to choose what and how I eat, for example. It is not always that simple.

This is where The Vegan Society comes in! Founded in 1944, the charity works tirelessly to promote a kinder world, and make veganism accessible to all. From working with schools & hospitals to improve plant-based food options, to supporting farmers who want to move away from animal agriculture, to working with politicians on implementing policy change on the accurate labelling of medicines, their reach is far and wide. They are also a trusted resource when it comes to evidence based information on the benefits of a healthy plant-based diet for people and planet, and offer support to anyone who needs this.

If you feel able to support this cause, to enable The Vegan Society to carry on their important work, I would be so very grateful. No amount is too small. Thank you xx

Hannah 

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