Louis Southwood

Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2026

I’m taking part in the 2026 Edinburgh Marathon with Dogs Trust!

I’m running in the 2026 Edinburgh Marathon in support of 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

Shared Page

Updated Profile Pic

Self Donated

Thanked Donor

Created a Fundraising page

Reached 50% of fundraising goal

Reached fundraising goal

My Updates

Canal to Keighley

13 miles done along the Leeds to Liverpool Canal this morning. Training is really coming together now ahead of the Edinburgh Marathon on 24th May. Every mile is another step closer to the finish line and raising as much as possible for Dogs Trust. If you haven't already, any donation no matter how small means a lot!

Wetherby Charity Shop volunteering

Had a great day volunteering at Dogs Trust Wetherby today! I spent the day sorting donations in the back office and helping organise the shop floor and it was a really eye opening experience.

Every donation that comes through the door directly supports the dogs in their care, and the team work incredibly hard to make sure nothing goes to waste.

One thing that really struck me, with apps like Vinted making it so easy to sell secondhand stuff online, it's worth remembering what charity shops actually do with your donations. When you donate to Dogs Trust instead of selling online, 100% of the proceeds go straight back to the animals. Small choice, big difference. 🐾

A new beginning for Gemma and Ghost

Gemma came to our Manchester centre looking for a fresh start after a traumatic incident left her unable to continue her career as a police dog handler. That’s where she met Ghost - a young Belgian Malinois who like her, needed a second chance.

 

With patience, training and a lot of love, Ghost has grown from an overwhelmed puppy into a confident assistance dog who supports Gemma every day. And in return, Gemma has helped him flourish, earning awards, travelling, and taking on new experiences with her by his side.

 

“Ghost has changed my life in the best way,” Gemma says.

Canterbury DogsTrust Site visit

Today I had the chance to visit Dogs Trust in Canterbury and see first-hand the amazing work the team do to look after and rehome dogs in need.

The visit was really eye-opening — we were shown around all the facilities and it’s clear how much effort goes into making sure the dogs get the best possible care while they’re there. One thing that stood out to me was the behavioural rooms, which are set up like a front room so foster families can see how a dog acts in a homely environment. Simple idea, but such a clever way to understand their needs and make sure the right match is made.

And of course, we also got to meet loads of dogs… which is always the best part.

Dogs Trust can only do all this with help from the public. Donations go towards keeping the facilities running, paying vet bills, and making sure the dogs are comfortable, well-fed, and ready for a fresh start.





 

Thank you to my Sponsors

£55.62

Lauren Osborne-duffy

£53.32

Jane Duffy

Good luck Louis

£50

Justine Ivory

Good luck Go do it for the dogs!!!!

£50

Anonymous

£32.23

Rob M

Best of luck on your run Lou!

£30

James Williams

£25

Jessica Southwood

£25

Josie S

Good luck running for one of your own 🐶

£21.84

Anonymous

£11.79

Alicia F

Keep trying hard and smashing it! Miss you brother! Proud of you!! 👏🏼 💪🏼

£11.33

Claire Diamond

Good luck Louis you will smash it well done for doing this for dogs trust xx

£5.99

Alex Dignum

£5

Anonymous

£5

Anonymous