On 29th September, our fantastic fundraiser Gareth will be embarking on the amazing feat of running the Berlin Marathon in aid of Forever Hounds Trust. Here’s what he had to say about why he is so dedicated in raising money for hounds in need, and the amazing challenges he has already completed.
In September I will be proudly running the Berlin Marathon in support of Forever Hounds Trust and the wonderful work they do rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming greyhounds and lurchers.
I am really looking forward to what will be my third marathon. Training is going really well and I am enjoying it. A typical week for me currently involves running six or the seven days, covering anything between 40-70km. Two days a week I also do strength training in the gym. All my runs and strength work are planned out for me by my Personal Trainer, Holly. Holly is an experienced runner as well as a qualified trainer and I am learning so much from her and making real progress. Holly pushes me hard and we are getting great results. I seem to be setting new records nearly every week which is really pleasing.
I have been associated with Forever Hounds Trust for around 12 years, having adopted Kelly a sweet greyhound in 2012. Kelly would become my friend, companion, and an inspiration for me to help Forever Hounds Trust as much as I could. Sadly, Kelly passed away in 2017 but her legacy lives on and I always think of her when I’m taking part in a challenge. In 2022 I adopted Jed, a happy, playful lurcher from Forever Hounds Trust. Jed is a daily reminder of what a good cause I’m trying to help.
The Berlin Marathon will be my 10th challenge for Forever Hounds Trust, my goal is to run it in under four hours; I am already really excited about running through the German capital!.
I have travelled all over the world taking myself out of my comfort zone and pushing myself to my limits to help a great cause….
- 2013 – I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.
- 2014 – I trekked through the Andes in Peru to reach the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu.
- 2016 – I trekked to Mount Everest base camp.
- 2018 – I did a double challenge, trekking the Sahara Desert in February before trekking the Canadian Rocky Mountains in September.
- 2019 – I travelled to India in the hope of climbing stok kangri. Sadly, I became unwell and was unable to reach the summit. I needed the help of a horseback ride back down the mountain to hospital. Thankfully my illness was not too serious, and I recovered quickly.
- 2020 – With the world dealing with COVID-19 I decided to use my “daily exercise” in a positive way, running 100 miles in the month of May to help Forever Hounds Trust and that’s when I took up running challenges.
- 2022 – I ran the great South Run
- 2023 – I ran the New Forest Marathon
I really enjoy all the training for these challenges and have been able to see new places and have some amazing experiences. All of these challenges have had moments where they have been very difficult, but knowing I am helping a cause I really care about, and the amazing support I have had over the years, raising thousands of pounds, always drives me to train hard and give every challenge my best effort.
When I pass under the famous Brandenburg Gate on September 29th, I will be able to see the finish line. I am sure I will be thinking of Kelly, Jed and Forever Hounds Trust as I make the last big push for the finish line.
We’re sure you’ll agree that Gareth is quite an inspiration and deserves all the support he can get in running the Berlin Marathon. Whilst he has already raised a wonderful amount for this challenge, he would love it to be so much more to make a greater difference to hounds in need.
Happy Homing Story – Ada