Thanks for taking the time to visit my fundraising page and for any of you who've been here before, welcome back!

Following another roller-coaster year which has seen a great many changes in all areas of my life, I've chosen to run this year's London Marathon for the Samaritans and am asking you to support me in my challenge.  26.2 Miles is a long way (especially the 0.2 as I found out last year, missing out on being good for age by just 11 seconds!) and knowing that the hours and miles are making a difference really does help. 

As any of you who know me will know, I suffered from anorexia for many years and have had ongoing problems with depression, which running helps me greatly to keep on top of. I myself have called the samaritans and also worked for a similar organisation for years, so know what is involved on both sides.  Having experienced what I can only describe as the hell of mental illness, taking all those close to me on the ride, I'm running this marathon as a testimony that life is precious and has to be lived to the full... every day.  I'm running in memory of the friends I've lost, the professionals who have helped me to get where I am today, for all those who are suffering at the moment, maybe looking for an incentive to carry on and above all as a tribute to my family, colleagues, close friends and Martin, all of whom have kept believing in me, support me every step of the way and constantly give me the strength to keep going.

Every penny raised could make a positive difference to someone's life and I hope you'll support me by making a donation or pledge to this site as I keep running the miles!  This can be done anonymously, or if you'd like to leave me a message it's yet another boost which helps when the miles seem long and the going tough!

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Samaritans 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.

Many thanks for taking the time to read this, and for your support.  I'll try to keep you updated with my progress and would love to see you in London on April 22nd if you're able to make it!

Heart-felt thanks and best wishes,

Yours,

Vanessa