Quick update - on 17 April 2011 I ran the London marathon in 5 hours, 28 minutes and 15 seconds.  It was a very hot day and probably the hardest mental as well as physical challenge that I have ever faced but I'm pleased to say that I did not walk a single step so I'm very proud of myself. Thank you to everyone who sponsored me, my page will remain open for a while so please do sponsor me if you haven't already. The NCT and I really appreciate it!

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Running the marathon is one of the challenges I've set myself as part of the 30 things I want to do before I'm 30. You can follow my training progress on my blog: http://rhi30before30.blogspot.com/.

Although I don't yet have children of my own, I've heard about the work of the NCT all my life because my parents found the local NCT group created a vital network of local parents that was invaluable to us when I was growing up at the other end of the country to our support network of extended family. Today my friends are finding the same thing, that the groups and events that the NCT organise locally provide them with an absolutely essential link to other local parents who provide a support network before birth, and during the first few weeks/months after birth when everything is new and can be overwhelming.

The NCT provides good quality antenatal care and information to help women have the choices in childbirth that they would like and to give them postnatal support. They also campaign to improve national health and childcare policies.

The money I raise will go towards running the NCT's vital services to parents. The amount I need to raise is quite substantial so I'll be organising events between January and April to help to raise money as well. I will also be donating half the proceeds from my handmade jewellery sales. You can find out more about my jewellery at www.facebook.com/mabinogiancrafts. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Please help me not only to achieve a personal goal which will be a huge challenge, but also to help to fund the work of the NCT which I think is really important.