13 June 2016

#Running4Redwings

As Redwings’ Head of Fundraising, I can’t expect others to push themselves to the limit and commit to all sorts of weird and wonderful challenges to help horses in need if I don’t do it myself.

So this is my fundraising diary as I train for the British 10k London Run in July. And I won’t be doing it alone; my 53-year-old dad Patrick will be joining me!

I have always been obsessed with horses. For my sixth birthday, my best friend adopted Redwings Pepper for me and my passion was sealed; a passion that was, unbeknown to me (or my poor parents), going to be long-lived.

For several years I had riding lessons (even getting my mum back in the saddle) with my dad dutifully driving me back and forth. Twenty years later, just as he thought the pony-days were over, I roped him into running the British 10k London Run for Redwings.

Neither he nor I were runners, but we both liked a challenge. And what began as running for Redwings turned into a regular hobby and the kickstart of a healthy lifestyle, and this year my dad even completed his first marathon.

I am so unbelievably proud of my dad. Horses are not his passion. But his motivation was my passion for them. This year will be the second time we will be running the British 10k together and one I have fought back from injury to join him in. It doesn't matter how long it takes me or how much my knees hurt, I’ll be running for my dad as well as for the horses.

I have worked for Redwings for 12 years and met hundreds of horses and donkeys who have been saved by the Sanctuary. I have also sadly seen the number in need increase over the years.

The UK is now in the midst of a horse welfare crisis with over 6,000 horses estimated to be at risk of abandonment or neglect. I know not even Redwings can save them all, but I believe every one of us can make a difference. So I am lacing up those running shoes and stomping 10k with the aim of raising £3,000 (with my Dad’s help!) – enough to care for one horse for a whole year.

If you would like to support my efforts please sponsor me:

My fantastic colleagues Abigail Bowyer and Sarah Prior are also #Running4Redwings so check out their JustGiving pages too by following the links below:

Sponsor Abi

Sponsor Sarah

Or to run for Redwings yourself, join us for the British 10k London Run and make a difference. For more information or to register email fundraising@redwings.co.uk - you might just enjoy it!