In October 2016 we adopted our German Shepherd (Zara), after visiting Bristol Animal Rescue Centre, a visit I said was just to look not to adopt.

I put my foot down and said we weren't adopting another dog, so obviously things being what they are Zara came home with us the next week and has been causing chaos ever since. She is especially keen on jumping on the bed in the morning to have a cuddle, which is fine unless you happen to be asleep when she makes that leap onto the bed!!

Towards the end of last year I decided I wanted the challenge of a marathon and failing to get into the London marathon entered the Paris one, I persuaded my wife to come to Paris with me by promising her a romantic weekend away, I thought I could tell later about the marathon bit at a later point.

Zara likes to come running with me and will cry if she is left. My wife has now decided that as Zara is now effectively my coach, it is only fair that in running the marathon I should try and raise some money for the wonderful Bristol Animal Rescue Centre, without who we would not have her in our lives. They looked after her for four and half months, as Zara was highly strung, she had to be kept out of the public area but the Rescue centre was determined to keep her until they could find her a forever home. We will be eternally grateful that they did (they never put a healthy dog down) and hope that the money raised helps other animals in need.