Penny Smith, veterinary nurse with Pet Doctors Veterinary Clinics was relieved to reach the finishing line at this year’s London Marathon.

Penny completed the course in six hours with her partner John Langbourne.  “I did the marathon once before in 4 ½ hours and vowed I would never do it again!  However, John challenged me by saying it would be easy and so we both decided to enter,” said Penny.

Penny and John decided to run the marathon in aid of Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, which is Pet Doctors charity of choice for 2007/8.

Fully –trained Hearing Dogs can change and improve a deaf person’s life by alerting them to sounds we take for granted, providing greater independence, confidence and security.  In addition many of the dogs are selected from rescue centres or donated as unwanted pets, giving the dogs a chance of a better life too.

“ I was a little disappointed to take longer this year,” continued Penny “ but like most of the runners I found that the intense heat made if much harder work.  However, it was all worth it as John and I are delighted to have raised £1,500 for Hearing Dogs!”

Pictured is Penny and John with their dog, Maddy - courtesy of Chichester Observer.