My name is Donna and I'm 27 years old. I have worked for The Donkey Sanctuary at East Axnoller Farm near Beaminster in Dorset for just over 3 years now. I love my job and the variety it throws at me, from standing cuddling up to the older donkeys, to the challenge of gaining the trust of younger and nervous donkeys.

I will be running the Dublin Marathon on 26th October 2009, to raise money for our Sanctuaries here in the UK and Ireland near Liscarroll. Through working at the Sanctuary I have realised how much the animals need in terms of feed, bedding, medications, etc and would like to take this opportunity to help out with some funding so the good work can continue.

I was also hoping to raise awareness of the good work that the Sanctuary does, especially over in Ireland where the Sanctuary is always full!

I am a first time marathon runner, and have not done any running since I was about 14 years of age. I am doing a lot of my training with Yeovil Town Road Running Club and owe them a million 'thank yous' for all of their words of support, advice and gentle nudging in the right direction. I am in week 2 of a 16 week training programme which is, touch wood, all going well so far.

I'll let you know how I get on with my training programme over the coming weeks.