I am running the Manchester marathon in aid of War paws who I am a trustee for. Louise who runs the charity also rescued one of my beautiful dogs Maz a two-legged dog from Afghanistan. Maz was rescued back in 2014 and he lived with me for 10 wonderful years until he died in May last year. Last April Maz, his brother Bambi & me cheered runners on and I was so inspired I had this crazy idea that I would run the marathon this year in memory of Maz because I knew that he wouldn't still be here as he was a very senior gent.

I never thought that two weeks after he died my cani-cross buddy Evelyn would die suddenly and a few months later one of my other cani-cross dogs Rowan would also die.

Running since Maz & Evie died has been a therapy for me, it has got me out again when life was very very bleak and running has helped me through the very dark days of Rowan's cancer diagnosis. The marathon has given me something to aim for and when I do run the Manchester marathon in April I will be running in memory of Maz who was so courageous, the bravest dog surviving as he did on the streets for 2 years with just 2 working legs. And in memory of Evie and Rowan who both lived life to the full and loved nothing better than cani-crossing with me.

But I also want to raise as much money as I can for War Paws who are operating out in Iraq and obviously in difficult circumstances right now but also we've also had the awful news that out shelter has to move as well. All of this costs money and we have to rely on donations and so I would really love it if you would sponsor me so that we can raise money to help so many animals in need, just like Maz and help me do something in the memory of my beautiful dogs who died last year - Mazar, Evelyn & Rowan

Helene xxx

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.