Mark Walker is to tackle Edinburgh Marathon for Canine Partners
Mark Walker (39) from Tarbrax near Edinburgh will be tackling the Edinburgh Marathon this Sunday for Canine Partners, a charity that provides highly trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities.
Mark, who is a self employed dog walker, behaviourist and trainer, only began running for fitness and fun in June 2011 as he already walks 40-50 miles a week. However, the combination of a friend completing last year’s Edinburgh Marathon and his wife’s plan to take part in a fundraising trek to Tanzania for Canine Partners resulted in Mark deciding to go for it.
Despite the trek being put on hold due to Mark’s wife Mandy having two prolapsed discs in her neck, Mark decided to continue with his plans. “A friend, Ian Mitchell, has a wonderful canine partner Kelty who has been an amazing companion for this great man who suffers from muscular dystrophy,” comments Mark. “Kelty helps improve Ian’s life every single day by assisting him in tasks that would otherwise be difficult. When I see a dog in such a role, it makes me proud to run a marathon to help raise funds for Canine Partners. I find it humbling to see people with disabilities maintaining such a positive outlook on life, which makes me realise that eleven months of training followed by a 26.2 mile run is nothing!”
To raise further funds for Canine Partners, Mark and Mandy are also organising a Psychic Evening with Medium and Healer April Mackie on Saturday 26 May from 7pm-9.30pm at Tarbrax Village Hall, Tarbrax, EH55 8XE. Tickets cost £10 and there will be a demonstration of the amazing abilities of a canine partner as well as refreshments. For further information please email manders5@sky.com or call 01501 785577.
To support Mark in his marathon efforts for Canine Partners please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/markwalker26.2 Canine Partners is always looking for volunteers, fundraisers and puppy parents from the local community, please call the Scottish team on 0845 481 1915 or visit www.caninepartners.org.uk for further information. Please also consider saving your used stamps to help raise funds for Canine Partners!
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