In 2027, I’ll be running the London Marathon for the dogs and cats still waiting for someone to choose them.

Now, before anyone gets carried away… I’m not a runner. I only started running in May 2026, so if you follow this journey you’ll mostly see me battling stitches, questioning my life choices and celebrating distances that actual runners probably use as a warm-up.

But dogs have always been worth showing up for. They’ve been beside me through every chapter of my life. Through heartbreak, loss, stress, grief and some of my happiest moments too. They don’t care what you look like, how much money you have, or whether you’re having the worst day imaginable.

They just love us.

And that’s why it breaks my heart that not every dog receives that same love in return.

Through my work and charity work, I’ve seen both the very best and very worst of humanity. I’ve met people experiencing homelessness who would sleep outside in freezing temperatures before giving up their dog. I’ve seen owners skip meals so their pets could eat. I’ve seen incredible acts of kindness, loyalty and compassion.

But I’ve also seen dogs abandoned when they become inconvenient. Dogs neglected when they become ill. Dogs left sitting by doors that will never open again, waiting for footsteps that never come. Waiting for someone who promised them forever.

And somehow, after everything, they still wag their tails.

That is why I chose Battersea. They don’t just rescue animals. They fight for them.

They work alongside StreetVet to help people experiencing homelessness keep the pets they love. They campaign for responsible dog ownership, advocate for fairer approaches towards bull breeds, support cat neutering programmes that prevent suffering before it starts, and push for better animal welfare across the UK.

They don’t just save animals. They change futures.

So when I stand on that London Marathon start line, I won’t just be running 26.2 miles.

I’ll be running for every dog sitting alone, listening for footsteps that never come.

For every frightened rescue learning to trust again.

For every animal still waiting for a second chance.

If you can spare anything at all, please know that every donation will help Battersea continue giving vulnerable animals safety, care, hope and the future they deserve.

And if you’d like to come along for the chaos, follow my journey on Instagram @brunetteandabulldog. I’ll be sharing the animals you’re helping, showing exactly where your donations go, and taking any running advice available to a woman who watched a few motivational TikToks and somehow concluded that a marathon was a sensible idea. 😆🤦🏻‍♀️

Thank you for supporting us.

Lauren & Rocco ❤️🐾