Darren Rhodes
A Warmer Winter for Dogs at Wood Green
Fundraising for Woodgreen Pets Charity
Story
The Aim Of Running the Perkins Great Eastern Run (Half Marathon)
3 months ago I decided it was about time I started raising essential funds for Wood Green. My main aim is to help finance the refurbishment of the dog kennels which are now showing their age. One of the kennels has already had a "test" makeover. The biggest change is at the rear of the kennel where the old draughty door has been replaced with a fitted double glazed door unit. These doors are essential for keeping the dogs warm during the forthcoming winter period, and will also help reduce the ongoing cost of heating the dog's sleeping space. With the idea of helping to fund the remaining refurbishment of the kennels, I approached my co-worker Minnie Eve and between the two of us a plot developed!
Darren's Story
3 months ago the idea sounded good, so I went out for my first run. 5 minutes later I was ready to keel over! I walked back to the car (very slowly and gasping for breath!) and thought "this may be a step too far". However, I prevailed, and my regular training runs are now almost an enjoyable experience. Motivation has been hard at times, but seeing the homeless dogs on a regular basis helped push me that little bit more each week. With them in mind it is easier to pick up the trainers, walk out the door and run longer and further, even in the rain!
Minnie's Story
I have been running for some time but the first time I ever went I had a similar experience to Darren, specifically about 7 minutes of pain before giving up on the brink of expiring completely! Thankfully I too persevered and running became a huge part of my life. I prefer to run with other people and when Darren asked me about fund raising for Wood Green I couldn’t say no – two of my favourite things dogs and exercise! If my pounding the pavements helps keep all the dogs warm and cosy this winter and for winters to come than I will be a happy girl but we need your help!
3 months ago I decided it was about time I started raising essential funds for Wood Green. My main aim is to help finance the refurbishment of the dog kennels which are now showing their age. One of the kennels has already had a "test" makeover. The biggest change is at the rear of the kennel where the old draughty door has been replaced with a fitted double glazed door unit. These doors are essential for keeping the dogs warm during the forthcoming winter period, and will also help reduce the ongoing cost of heating the dog's sleeping space. With the idea of helping to fund the remaining refurbishment of the kennels, I approached my co-worker Minnie Eve and between the two of us a plot developed!
Darren's Story
3 months ago the idea sounded good, so I went out for my first run. 5 minutes later I was ready to keel over! I walked back to the car (very slowly and gasping for breath!) and thought "this may be a step too far". However, I prevailed, and my regular training runs are now almost an enjoyable experience. Motivation has been hard at times, but seeing the homeless dogs on a regular basis helped push me that little bit more each week. With them in mind it is easier to pick up the trainers, walk out the door and run longer and further, even in the rain!
Minnie's Story
I have been running for some time but the first time I ever went I had a similar experience to Darren, specifically about 7 minutes of pain before giving up on the brink of expiring completely! Thankfully I too persevered and running became a huge part of my life. I prefer to run with other people and when Darren asked me about fund raising for Wood Green I couldn’t say no – two of my favourite things dogs and exercise! If my pounding the pavements helps keep all the dogs warm and cosy this winter and for winters to come than I will be a happy girl but we need your help!