Within approximately 4.1 minutes of meeting me, most people will discover that I absolutely adore greyhounds! And Brighton RGT does SO much for these beautiful sleek beasts - working tirelessly, 365 days a year, to ensure that each and every retired hound who arrives at the kennels in Twineham, Sussex, thoroughly lands on their paws, finding their forever home paired with a suitable human family. 

My involvement with Brighton RGT began in 2018 when I started helping out at the kennels, volunteering at the weekends. My doggo fix after a week stuck behind a desk in an office job! 

Following a huge lifestyle change in 2019, I was very fortunate to be able to adopt my first ever hound, 4 year old Penny. She filled my heart and my life with love, joy, friendship and a bond that I had never experienced before. 

After only 3 years together, albeit fantastic ones, Penny heartbreakingly died (peacefully in my arms) on 8th April 2022, aged only 7, after a very short period of illness with bone cancer (which unfortunately is a fairly common life shortening condition amongst greyhounds). She is missed but is very much loved, celebrated and remembered every day. 

Imagine my surprise when several months later, I was caught completely off guard during an ad-hoc visit to the kennels when it suddenly became apparent that I had space in my heart again for a four legged friend; this on finding myself being adopted by 2 year old lazy pickle, Rosie Posie. 

I plan to complete this event for retired greyhounds everywhere, including the loving memory of Penny on what will be her 1st anniversary (almost to the day), which feels particularly poignant.

I have never run a marathon before - nor do I intend to run one again!! The training and the event itself will be all the more challenging due to only recently (in October 2022) returning to ANY sort of running (starting with a walk to run rehab programme) after approx.16 months of none at all due to an Achilles injury for which I’m still undergoing physio. Sooo, please kindly dig deep with your donations - as I will have to with the running! 

My aspiration is for us to raise as much as possible in vital funds for Brighton RGT to support their continued invaluable work for the hounds. 

Many thanks in advance for your support and generosity. 

Much love, 

Shiv