Why we’re running

On Sunday 6 September, two relay teams will take part in the London Big Relay to raise funds for research into sudden death in Labrador Retrievers. This devastating condition causes young, apparently healthy Labradors to die unexpectedly, often while at rest or asleep. It affects dogs between about six months and four years of age and is one of the most tragic conditions we have ever investigated.

Geneticists from the Canine Genetics Centre have teamed up with cardiologists from the Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital to develop a better understanding of the underlying cause of these sudden deaths.

Our eight runners include six researchers and veterinary professionals from the Canine Genetics Centre and the Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital, alongside Joanna and Harrison, whose Labrador, Taitti, died very recently from the condition.

By bringing together the researchers investigating the disease and those directly affected by it, we hope to raise both funds and awareness—and ultimately help prevent other owners from experiencing the same loss.

The Canine Genetics Research team in the Department of Veterinary Medicine, led by Dr Cathryn Mellersh, is passionate about investigating inherited diseases in dogs. Donations are used to support ongoing and future research to improve the health of future generations of dogs.