Businessman Tackles London Marathon Inspired by Life-Changing Support Dogs
Seeing first-hand the incredible impact of assistance dogs has inspired a dedicated businessman to take on his very first London Marathon. Chris Taylor's remarkable journey with the life-changing charity, Support Dogs, began through his wife, Zoe, who serves as a volunteer puppy socialiser for the Yorkshire-headquartered organisation.
Support Dogs trains and provides specialist assistance dogs for autistic children, and those living with epilepsy or physical disabilities. Long before the Allerton Bywater couple got together, Zoe raised her first puppy, a Labrador named Peggy. Then came Skye, who Chris, aged 31, helped Zoe raise from a tiny pup through to being seventeen months old, when she went into full-time training at Support Dogs' centre.
Puppy Love and Life-Changing Graduations
Both Peggy and Skye have since qualified as fully-fledged support dogs, with Peggy having transformed the life of an autistic child in Warwickshire and Skye recently graduating as an autism assistance dog for a child in South Yorkshire. The couple have just taken on the care of ten-week-old Albus for the charity.
"Seeing the difference Peggy has made has been unbelievable. Going to the graduations brings the charity to life - it's a big family with the same shared focus," says Chris, who runs a marketing agency. He opened up about the profound, life-changing difference these specially trained dogs make to the families who need them.
"Skye was with Zoe for about a week before I was introduced to her, she was just incredible. Handing her over to Support Dogs was one of the hardest things we've ever done... but seeing the life-changing impact these dogs go on to have is what makes it all worth it."
Marathon Training and Fundraising Goals
Chris has been training for the marathon, taking place on April 26, for four months, putting in three or four weekly runs of anything from 8km up to 30km. He tackled the North York Moors Trail Run - his first half-marathon - in October.
"I've never done anything so hard in my life," said Chris. "No doubt, the London Marathon will be even tougher. But I'm looking forward to it - there will be lots of people running with me, lots of energy, lots of atmosphere and lots of music."
"My target finish time is four-and-a-half hours. If I can beat that, I'll be the happiest person on Earth. If I finish, I'll be really happy. I just want to help this amazing cause as every pound raised helps more puppies like Skye and Peggy go on to change someone's life forever."
Charity Support and Community Impact
Danny Anderson, head of fundraising at Support Dogs, said: "Without the epic efforts of people like Chris, we wouldn't be able to help people affected by challenging medical conditions via the power of dogs. Good luck to Chris and all the other runners taking part in the London Marathon in aid of Support Dogs."
Chris has set himself a fundraising target of £2,500 and so far has raised almost £1,500 in sponsorship. The funds will directly support the training and provision of assistance dogs for individuals and families in need across the region.
