As the owner of two pet pigs, I have seen the delight and fascination that they elicit from children and adults alike when I walk them in my local parks in W12.

One of my dogs is a Pets As Therapy dog and together we visit our local hospital every week. We have done this for four years and the joy and comfort that an animal confers on so many of the patients is striking.

A chance conversation with a ten-year old boy, who was adamant that pigs lay eggs, made me realise how limited opportunities are for West London residents to interact with animals and learn about where their food comes from. So I decided that I would like to create a farm where people could come and learn about animals and plants and embrace an outdoor lifestyle.

To get my project off the ground, I commissioned an architectural plan and feasibility study from a renowned architectural practice. I then had a website built (www.westlondon.farm) and set up a petition to garner local interest and establish that there is a desire for a farm in West London.

My savings have now been exhausted and I am seeking financial help from you to raise the one million pounds that it will cost to create the West London Farm. Once the farm is up and running I will apply for grants to help with day to day expenditure and ultimately I intend West London Farm to be self-funding.

I have a strong work ethic, good financial acumen and have succeeded in creating a successful business in the fashion industry. If I can survive the vagaries and fickleness of the fashion world, I am confident that I can surmount all the obstacles that will be thrown my way as I embark on this project. I have a knowledgeable board of trustees behind me and a lot of enthusiasm and goodwill but now what I need is ONE MILLION POUNDS.

West London Farm will:

Provide a productive, creative, safe, high quality open space

Offer opportunities for people to learn new skills and abilities, either informally or on formal accredited training courses

Provide training places for adults with learning disabilities

Add to the economic wealth of the area

Employ the full-time staff and volunteers from the local area

Improve physical and mental health in the communities

Provide a valuable tool for bringing people together of different abilities, ages, cultures

Aid in community cohesion and community development

Produce fresh food

Allow many communities contact with real live food (both animals and plants)

Please support this initiative to create West London Farm so that in time you, your friends and family will be able to come and stroke a pig, smile at a donkey and sit and drink an excellent cup of coffee with a goat on your lap.

Thank you.