I’m taking part in the Great North Run with Dogs Trust!
I’m helping raise money for dogs in need by joining the Great North Run with Dogs Trust.
The aim of Dogs Trust is to give stray and abandoned dogs a second chance at a brighter future with responsible, caring new owners. Last year, they cared for 11,707 dogs across the UK and Ireland, rehomed 9,914 dogs, and helped deliver nearly one million meals to dogs in need through Fareshare foodbanks.
Your support helps them continue this vital work, especially as the cost of living crisis adds increased pressures for dog owners.
The work of Dogs Trust is only possible with donations like yours. If you’re able to make a small contribution, I know they’d be incredibly grateful – and so would the dogs!
Thank you.
My Achievements
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Self Donated
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Created a Fundraising page
Reached 50% of fundraising goal
Reached fundraising goal
My Updates
Running for Second Chances: Why I’m Taking on the Great North Run for Dogs Trust
If you know me, you’ll know I’m not the kind of person who signs up for half marathons on a whim. Yet this year, I’ve done exactly that. I’ll be lining up for the Great North Run with thousands of others, pounding the streets for 13.1 miles, not for personal glory but for a cause that means the world to me: Dogs Trust.
I owe this decision to one dog in particular—my four-legged best mate, Dave.
Meeting Dave
Dave isn’t your picture-perfect storybook dog. He’s a rescue, and his start in life was far from easy. By the time he came to me, he was already carrying the weight of experiences that had left their mark. His behaviour showed the scars of an upbringing that hadn’t given him the love and stability he deserved.
At first, it was overwhelming. I’ll be honest—there were moments I wondered if I could handle it. He barked too much, didn’t trust easily, and sometimes seemed to be on constant alert, as if waiting for something to go wrong. But beneath all of that was a dog who just wanted to feel safe.
Bit by bit, we’ve been working together. With patience, training, and an endless supply of treats, he’s learned to relax, to trust, and to enjoy life. He’s not “fixed”—and I don’t expect him to be. He’s simply himself: funny, quirky, sometimes stubborn, always loyal. I love him to pieces, and I’m dedicated to giving him the life he should have had from the start.
Why Dogs Trust
Not every dog like Dave gets that chance. That’s where Dogs Trust comes in. They never give up on a dog, no matter how challenging their circumstances. They take in thousands every year, giving them food, shelter, medical care, and most importantly, the love and patience they may never have known before.
Some dogs are easy to rehome. Others, like Dave, need more time. They might have behavioural issues, or they might be older dogs who get overlooked. Dogs Trust makes sure they’re not forgotten. They work tirelessly to match each dog with the right person or family, setting them up for a future filled with care and companionship.
When I look at Dave snoozing on the sofa, snoring gently after a walk, I think about how different things could have been for him. Without people stepping up, without charities like Dogs Trust, his story might never have had this happier chapter. That’s why I’m running.
The Challenge Ahead
Now, I’m no athlete. Training for 13.1 miles is daunting, and I’ll probably question my sanity more than once on race day. But every time I think about giving up, I remember Dave’s journey. If he can learn to trust again, if he can keep pushing through the echoes of a tough start in life, then surely I can push myself through a couple of hours of running.
The Great North Run is iconic, but what makes it truly special for me is knowing that each mile will mean something more than just covering distance. Each step will help raise funds so that more dogs can find safety, love, and second chances.
How You Can Help
Here’s where I need your support. By sponsoring me, you’re not just backing me to get through the run—you’re directly helping Dogs Trust continue their incredible work. Your donation could provide a warm bed for a dog who’s just arrived at a centre, pay for vital medical treatment, or contribute towards behaviour training that makes all the difference in helping a dog find their forever home.
Every pound really does matter. It doesn’t just keep tails wagging; it changes lives. Dave is proof of that. He’s proof that when you give a dog patience, understanding, and love, they give you back something even greater.
Running for Dogs Like Dave
When I cross the finish line, it won’t be just about me. It’ll be about Dave, and every other dog out there who needs a second chance. It’ll be about the volunteers and staff at Dogs Trust who pour their hearts into making those chances possible. And it’ll be about everyone who’s chosen to support this journey with a donation, however big or small.
So as I lace up my trainers and put in the miles, I’ll be thinking of all the dogs who are still waiting for their fresh start. Running isn’t easy. Rehabilitation isn’t easy. But both are worth it when the result is something as powerful as seeing a once-nervous, uncertain dog like Dave finally wag his tail without fear.
If you can, please support me and Dogs Trust. Together, we can make sure more dogs like Dave find the love and security they deserve.
