Running for Ginger: 21km & The Dog Treat Challenge!
I’m running 21km to make Ginger proud – and to give other dogs a second chance! 🐾🏃♀️
Hi everyone! Most of you know me, but you might not know why I’ve decided to run the Lisbon Half Marathon on October 11th, 2026, for Dogs Trust. This isn’t just a race; it’s a tribute to my best friend and a personal battle against my own limits.
Why am I doing this?
For Ginger: Two years ago, I lost my best friend – my beautiful Bullmastiff, Ginger. She fought so bravely, survived surgery, but in the end, she couldn't stay with me. To this day, I carry the weight of her loss in my heart. I’m running because I want to believe she’s looking down on me, proud to see her human helping other dogs in need.
Overcoming the odds: My body hasn’t always been my ally. After years of sports, I’ve struggled with knee problems for a long time. A few years ago, I also faced thyroid cancer. I had my thyroid removed, and although everything is okay now, training for a half-marathon from scratch is a huge challenge for my health.
I’m starting from zero, but my motivation is stronger than my pain. To make this journey even more meaningful (and to give you a reason to smile!), I’ve set some Fundraising Milestones:
£1,000 – I’ll do my training sessions wearing dog ears! 🐶
£2,000 – I’ll run the full 21km in Lisbon wearing a dog tail!
£5,000 – THE BIG ONE: I will record a "professional" tasting session and eat a whole bag of dog treats on camera! 🦴😋 (I hope they taste better than they smell!).
Every pound you donate helps Dogs Trust care for abandoned and sick dogs. It gives them the second chance that Ginger fought so hard for.
Thank you for supporting me and for helping me prove that even after cancer and with bad knees, we can do amazing things for those we love.
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.
