Vegan Fest Horsham organiser to walk 26.2 miles in her kitchen on day of postponed event

Helen Crabb had to postpone Vegan Fest Horsham until the autumn due to the coronavirus, so instead has decided to walk a marathon in her own home on Saturday April, 25.

To complete the 26.2 miles, Helen will need to do 2,562 laps of her kitchen.

She said: “I am going to be at a bit of a loose end on Saturday as I was supposed to be running around, hideously stressed, whilst organising Horsham’s second vegan fair!

“However, as with so many other events, Vegan Fest Horsham has had to be put on hold, so I thought I would give my time to doing something worthwhile in its place.

“As it was also supposed to be the London Marathon this weekend, I have decided to walk a marathon in my kitchen, with occasional trips up the stairs to factor in a few inclines.

“Apart from my daily half hour walk since in lockdown, I haven’t trained at all for this, so fingers crossed I can complete it, although it may take me quite a few hours!

“I will need to do 2,562 laps of my kitchen to complete the 26.2 miles - here’s hoping my hip holds out and my sanity, too!”

The event will be raising funds for Animals Asia, the Soi Dog Foundation, Safe Haven for Donkeys and the ABC Animal Sanctuary in West Chiltington which are all close to Helen’s heart.

Of her £500 target, Helen has so far raised nearly £300.

She said: “As you will be aware, I have a soft spot for animals and in the current climate there are so many animal charities that are really struggling, as fundraising and volunteering events are sadly having to be cancelled.

“With this in mind I have chosen four smaller animal charities for which I would like to raise some money and I would be very grateful for any amount that you are able to spare.

“Please donate any money that you can - no matter how small - every penny will make a difference to the lives of so many animals.”

Helen – who will also be marking 37 years of being vegan this weekend – brought Horsham its first vegan fair last year and is hoping this year will be another success despite having to postpone it.

It celebrates the vegan lifestyle and all things plant based, and will boast more than 40 stalls offering products including vegan chocolates, beauty products, cakes, books, cheese, household items, nutrition and environmental advice, as well as catering stalls offering hot and cold foods.

There will also be a series of free talks throughout the day including from Downton Abbey actor Peter Egan.

Vegan Fest Horsham will return to the Drill Hall on Saturday, October 24.

To donate to Helen’s charity challenge, visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-portal/fundraiserPage?pageId=1162105

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