On Sunday 22nd April I ran the London Marathon, all 26.2 miles of it, with official time of 5.09. This was longer than I had hoped, but the heat was blistering, and much of the race was spent trying to make sure I didn't dehydrate and become one of the 7,000 casualties who for one reason or other had to stop and get treated by the wonderful medical volunteers. But I ran the lot - no walking, even when at mile 15 a severe stitch set in and I had to grit my teeth for about a mile.... I did it in a tutu, as this 'aftermath' picture shows, taken about 2 hours after I had finished. So much of the race was spent with kids yelling 'Go ballerina'.

The crowd and the spectators were, as ever wonderful, and thanks to all of you who phoned and texted and emailed and came and cheered and brought goodies for the picnic in Green Park and helped get my hobbling frame home. It all kept me going and was much appreciated

All funding will go to Homeless International, a charity I helped set up back in the 1980s and which celebrates its 20th anniversary next year. Massive generosity from wonderful friends and colleagues has meant that I have reached and surpassed my target.... HUGE THANKS and it will be going to great use with slum dweller projects in some of the poorest communities in the world.

Homeless International (HI) is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the housing in the major slums of the world. 1 billion people live in such slums in often unimaginable conditions, and this is set to grow to 1.4 billion. I have visited many of the projects and seen for my own eyes how small amounts of money can fundamentally alter the lives and prospects of communities living in slums.

Thanks to all of you for your massive and heart warming support. The pain and tears were worth it. And I never want to see another plate of pasta again.