I Susan Walker, am doing the Great North Run on Sunday 12th September 2021. Following encouragement from friends I applied for the 40th anniversary run in early 2020 half thinking and hoping that I was unlikely to secure a space. Much to my surprise I got a space so started doing the Couch to 5K at the beginning of March 2020 just before Covid-19. During the first lockdown the training was difficult with the one exercise a day restrictions, home schooling, work, family commitments and any other excuse that I could come up with. The run is now happening a year later than planned so here I am in September 2021 still plodding on doing what I can mainly on early morning runs down Roker seafront with my son Alexander. Alexander is either on his bike or scooter. I try my absolute best to keep up with him but I promise you that I am no athlete.

Alexander has autism and has many ongoing challenges associated with his condition. When he was 10 years old we started to look after the school's guinea pigs, Rosemary and Thyme, on a weekend. We all looked forward to their arrival on a Friday and enjoyed looking after them. Alexander showed the most interest as he was already helping to look after them at school and they soon became a relaxing and calming influence on him. He became much more settled on a weekend having them to focus on. As the time approached for Alexander to leave his primary school we knew the only way he would cope saying goodbye to Rosemary and Thyme was to obtain our own guinea pigs.

Betty and Bertha arrived and will always be very special to us. Over the years more girls have arrived and the herd has somewhat multiplied. They really are excellent pets and have certainly helped Alexander to become more caring, happier and have taught him skills such as accepting more responsibility. Life is also far more enriched owning guinea pigs.

Whilst on holiday in Ayr during August 2020 we visited Ayr's Guinea Pig Rescue and Rehoming Centre which was originally opened in 2016. They offer a safe haven for guinea pigs who are mistreated, neglected or when their families can no longer take care of them until a new forever home is found. If for any reason a new home can't be found, due to age or health challenges, they become a resident at the centre. We were overwhelmed by all of the gorgeous guinea pigs at the centre and of all the wonderful work carried out by the volunteers. Not surprisingly we came away with two rescue guinea pigs, Beryl and Betsy. We visited again this year as part of our holiday and rehomed two more girls, Ella and Hope.

Alexander enjoys being creative and painted 104 of these guinea pig stones to donate to the centre that we took on the trip this year. You can see the photo with Beryl in the middle of them. She obviously stayed at home.

I have decided to try and raise some money for the centre, who never ever turn any guinea pig away and have helped hundreds of others over the years.

Any money raised will help them to continue with their wonderful work and to give every guinea pig the best chance in life that they all deserve.

Any donation at all would be so gratefully received.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for your kindness. I will do my very best on Sunday.

Love Susan Walker (Crazy Guinea Pig Lady) xx

PS Wheek Wheek from the guinea pigs xx