We’re really grateful to the amazing runners who are tackling gruelling marathons to raise money for the Foundation.
Met Police’s Sgt Paul Hewitt, 52, is taking on the London Marathon, on 26 April, after being inspired by the dogs he’s worked alongside for decades.
Paul, who has run the Marathon once before, said: “Police dogs give their lives to the job, they don’t ask for much in return. The least we should do is provide care for them during their retirement; it’s wrong on every level not to do this.”
Paul is hoping to raise £1,000 and is collecting donations online.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary PC Kirsten Hay, 26, got into running just a year ago and is now looking forward to her greatest challenge.
She decided to take on the London Marathon to support the Foundation as her partner is a dog handler and the couple have two former police dogs: failed search and detection dog, Labrador Goose; and retired general purpose dog, German Shepherd Molly.
Kirsten – who is hoping to raise £800 – said: “I wouldn’t say I’m a natural runner so this has been a challenge. I’m excited for the day but I’m also excited for it to all be over!”
You can donate to Kirsten online.
Twenty-year-old RAF Police dog handler Leah will be taking on the Southampton Marathon, on 3 May, to raise money for our dogs.
Leah, from Lincolnshire, qualified as a handler in December 2024 and was inspired to raise funds for the Foundation after working with her two dogs.
Leah said: “When my dog’s health deteriorated, resulting in her career coming to an end, she came up for retirement. This made me think about what happens to all the dogs when they retire.”
You can donate to Leah online.
