A dog-lover from Bengeworth is taking on an ultra marathon in memory of her rescue dog who died earlier this year, to raise funds for Dogs Trust Evesham.
This weekend (17-18 June) Sue Siford is leaving behind the books of Evesham Library where she works as a Customer Advisor to power-walk 100km in the hills of the South Downs for the Dulux Race to the King ultra marathon.
54-year-old Sue was devastated when her ten-year-old Lurcher, Pearl, who she adopted from Dogs Trust Evesham in 2018, died in April this year. As Sue and her family came to terms with their loss, Sue decided she wanted to do something to help dogs at the rehoming centre who are still waiting to find their forever homes.
Sue says: “Pearl was our first family dog and she was perfect. My eldest daughter was quite anxious around dogs but Pearl helped her get over her fear as she was just beautiful. She loved going for long walks but was just as happy to lie around the sofa, so she was the best canine companion anyone could ask for.
“I have done ultra marathons before but not for some time and when I signed up for this it basically gave me just six weeks to train; I just wanted and needed to do something in memory of Pearl.”
The 100km event starts at Goodwood Racecourse and takes in the Chichester coast and South Downs National Park before returning to Goodwood Racecourse.
Holly Grant, Community Fundraising Officer for Dogs Trust, says: “What Sue is doing for our beautiful dogs and in memory of Pearl is incredible. Every penny raised will go towards helping us make sure the dogs in our care get everything they need, from treats to training and additional support if they need it to find their forever homes.”
Sue has been rapidly building up the training distances she is covering, taking on treks of more than thirty miles.
Sue adds: “I am anxious about taking on the challenge but knowing that what I raise will help the dogs at Dogs Trust will spur me on.
“I haven’t got a particular time in mind, I just want to finish and I know when I do cross the finishing line Pearl will be in my thoughts as it’s all for her, and dogs like her who simply need a second chance to be able to live their best lives.”
If you would like to support Sue and Dogs Trust please go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/susan-siford
