DEDICATED animal lover and runner Katie Fallows plans to combine her dual passions and share every mile of the London Marathon linked to pets.
The 33-year-old from Greenfield is making her first ever attempt at the legendary event and has decided to turn it into a unique fundraiser for the PDSA.
Katie, who works at Oldham Library, will be running dressed as a cat, complete with false ears and wearing the names of pets on her costume tail.
She has two cats from local rescue centres and three weeks ago she added a third which she found abandoned outside Oldham Library.
Katie began running in 2013 when her brother inspired her to have a go at the Manchester Run.
“That’s when I did my first 10k,” she explained. “From then I just kept running. I have run twice in the Manchester Marathon and even done the Oldham Way Ultra Marathon.
“But as a runner it is my dream to run the London Marathon, as it is one of the biggest events.
“I chose to run for the PDSA because they understand how important pets are to people and they are a charity I really believe in.
“One of my cats, Alfred, got injured a little while ago. We were lucky enough to be able to pay for his treatment but many people aren’t in that position.
“The PDSA really help those who can’t afford get proper care for their sick animals. I also love how they honour service animals that serve and help us.”
The PDSA present the Dickin Medal, the highest award any animal can receive while serving in military conflict which recognised worldwide as the animals’ Victoria Cross.
As the UK’s leading veterinary charity with 48 Pet Hospitals, the PDSA improves pets’ lives through prevention, education and treatment. Every year their teams carry out 2.7 million treatments on 470,000 pets in need.
Katie added: “I would very much appreciate anyone who would like to sponsor me. You can have your pets name featured for a small donation.”
She added: “Local business have been amazingly supportive, especially Wag and Bone, Saddleworth Outdoor, Dinnerstone, Lisa’s dog grooming, Naked Bean, Station Brew, Little Owl Farm and Tesco.”
Currently she has raised more than £1,000 thanks to help from friends, family, colleagues and the wider Saddleworth community.
To make a donation, go to Katie’s Page Just Giving Page online: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/katiecatlady
You must be logged in to post a comment.