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The [Concise] Brief (for those of you who want the info fast with no fancy stuff)   Excitement, dodgy deals, arguments. Just a few words I would use to describe Monopoly. But there is now one more word to add – RUN. Like many great ideas, The Monopoly Run emerged from a good pint of beer. My friend Tim and I decided it was about time we challenged ourselves and after counting out the truly ridiculous and downright stupid ideas The Monopoly Run was born. So, on the 25th June 2011, myself, Tim and the team will be running the 45 mile London Monopoly route, non-stop, in order to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society and Canine Partners. We've chosen a charity each; my page gives details about Canine Partners but please do take a look at Tims page too (<a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Tim-Casey0">http://www.justgiving.com/Tim-Casey0</a>) which gives details about the Alzheimer’s Society.    If you’re on Facebook why not follow us and be a part of the build up. Simply search for the group The Monopoly Run 2011.   Want to follow us in real time, getting a real sense of how we’re feeling, what we look like and what’s going through our minds? Why not follow us on Twitter? @Monopoly_Run_11 will be providing regular status updates and photos of us on the run so that you can be involved in the action from the comfort of your sofa.    The FULL Brief    …so what am I actually doing?   Somewhat unbelievably, I can’t seem to find any record/mention of anyone running the whole Monopoly board (London edition) in order, non-stop. Being one for a bit of a challenge every now and then I thought, why not? Running as part of a select team, I will be pounding the streets of London and taking in many of its famous landmarks. We will start at Old Kent Road and run in just about every direction possible until we reach our finish line at Mayfair. To add a little bit of character to the run (and to ensure that we don’t lose one another), we will be running in fancy dress, related to that favourite family board game.   …why?   Aside from wanting the challenge I also want to raise awareness of the fantastic work carried out by the charity Canine Partners. Canine Partners train dogs to assist people with tasks that may be difficult, painful or even impossible to carry out. Not only are these dogs trained to carry out practical tasks such as opening/closing cupboards and doors, pressing buttons and switches and even unloading the washing machine, they serve another very important role – the role of companionship. I’m sure you’re all aware of dogs being “mans best friend” and probably know many people who see their own dogs as part of the family. This is no different for a Canine Partner. On top of their practical help, these dogs too provide a unique companionship and affection for those they are assisting which in turn makes life that much better and easier to live.   My Grandparents have, for a number of years now, helped with the early stages of training some of these Canine Partners. Most recently they looked after the retired Canine Partner Eliot who worked for over 10 years assisting with day to day tasks. Sadly, Eliot passed away just after Christmas at the grand old age of 14! I know just how much Eliot meant to my Grandparents and the whole family, and can only begin to imagine the difference he made as an assistance dog.   Those of you with dogs will know only too well just how expensive they can be, especially if you’ve got one like mine who has a habit of injuring herself pretty much from over-excitement, and this is no different for Canine Partners. Just to give you an idea of what certain amounts of money can enable, and the difference that it can make:   £3 will buy a toy or food/water bowl   £10 will buy grooming equipment for the dog   £15 will a Canine Partners jacket for the dog, letting everyone know it's an assistance dog   £500 enables Canine Partners to purchase a new puppy, to become an assistance dog of the future   £5000 is the cost of the first 12 months of training   In total, every fully trained dog costs the charity £20,000 but the life changing effect a Canine Partner can have is truly priceless.   I’ve only scratched the surface with what Canine Partners do, but if you do get the chance, it’s well worth taking a look at their website <a href="http://www.caninepartners.co.uk/">http://www.caninepartners.co.uk</a> which will certainly do them more justice than I just have!   Thanks for reading this far down and if you would like to donate then please do! Please don’t feel put off by the amounts I’ve mentioned, because anything you are able to donate (even if it is just your voice in spreading word about the charity) is amazing.     Best   Dom

Help me buy a hotel on Mayfair!

Help me buy a hotel on Mayfair!

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