Dromore runner heads for the US

Gordon Lightbody of Barban Hill, will be putting his best foot forward and running the Avenue of the Giants Marathon in California on May 5 for the Doghouse Sanctuary.

Gordon got involved with the charity a few years ago when his 16-year-old terrier dog Nip passed away. He still has links with the charity and would often go to the charity to take some of the dogs out for a walk.

It was his relatives in the United States who persuaded Gordon, a keen marathon runner to take part in this year’s California run.

He has already completed 13 Marathons since taking up the sport just five years ago. Last year, he ran an amazing four marathons but this year Gordon wanted to cut back on the running and plans to do this one in America and one in Estonia later in the year.

“I have relatives in California and they gave me the idea of doing a marathon over there,” he said. “It will be an excuse to go see them too.”

Gordon has been running marathons for the past five years. He trained with a friend and they both decided to put their running skills to good use and take part in marathons which would raise money for charities,

“The Doghouse do an awful lot of work for unwanted dogs and Gary and Gillian are just great,” he said. “If anyone is thinking of getting a dog they should go and see this charity first and have a word with them.

“Gary and Gillian are very informative and make sure that all their dogs go to a good home. They and the volunteers do an awful lot of work with such limited resources so I just thought I would do something to help them.”

Gordon works as a house guide and an education guide both at Castle Ward and the Argory. He has set up a Just Giving page for anyone who would like to donate money.

The Doghouse Sanctuary is based at Lisnaree Road and take dogs from the council dog wardens that are destined to be put to sleep. As well as re-homing dogs from the local councils the group also helps members of the public, who due to various reasons, are unable to look after their pet.

Dogs that come to the sanctuary have a full health check and are given vaccines and any other emergency medical treatment that is needed. They are then advertised as being suitable for re-homing and stay at the sanctuary until a new home is found for them.

They are holding a fundraising event Paws for a Cause meeting at 10.30am on Saturday, April 27, at Scarva Towpath.