Thanks for following the link to my fundraising page.

Chances are that you already know my birthday is coming up. Some of you have been kind enough to ask me what I would like this year, hopefully with the intention of giving me it!

Much as I love presents, I also love dogs, greyhounds most of all. Since I am fortunate enough to be able to pretty much buy myself what I want when I want, the best present you can give me is your support for my chosen cause.

I could go on about the cursed lot of the fascinating greyhound, but suffice it to say, the greyhound has an average lifespan of 12-14 years; the racing industry breeds and works them for an average of only 4-5 years; and the only arrangements made for the majority of ex-racers' post-track lives are to put them through the rehoming scheme run by the Retired Greyhound Trust.

As far as I understand it, the vast majority of owners and trainers do not pay anything towards the keep of their unwanted ex-racers once they enter the rehoming scheme. Instead, the Retired Greyhound Trust receives token funding from the official board of greyhound racing and depends largely on charitable donations. 

If you have eaten my cakes, or will be attending my drinks or party, or otherwise wish to support a charity other than your usual one, please donate to the Retired Greyhound Trust, and help towards giving a discarded greyhound the chance to live out his/her natural life. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.