This year I will be running the London Marathon for Horse & Hound's charity of the year, World Horse Welfare.

Horses have an important role in our lives, cultures and economies, whether as working animals, athletes or companions. World Horse Welfare works to ensure that this partnership is respected and that equines are treated with respect through education, campaigning and hands-on care.

I have written many stories about the charity through my work at Horse & Hound. Many have involved harrowing cases of neglect where helpless animals are given a second chance thanks to World Horse Welfare.

Last year I witnessed World Horse Welfare’s work first hand at the charity’s Glenda Spooner Farm, one of its four centre’s in Britain. It was wonderful to see the transformed animals benefiting from World Horse Welfare’s care.

I only recently found out that I had been accepted on to the charity’s marathon team having been on a waiting list and I now have less than four months to prepare for this challenging race. I’ve already been clocking up the miles and have entered a 10-mile race and half marathon to help me prepare.

I’m determined to complete this marathon as fast as I possibly can and will use the brilliant work of World Horse Welfare as my inspiration. I have pledged to raise £1,750 and am so very grateful for all your support. I know there are many worthy causes but any donation however small will help.

Thank you so much.

Rachael