Nichola’s London Marathon 2022

Heya, I'm Nichola... if you've made it this far, thank you and please get your bank card out and donate to this amazing cause- NFRSA.

Most of you will know me... and also know that me and exercise are not exactly friends, and therefore I am absolutely mental for signing up to run the London marathon on 2nd Oct 2022… but you'll also know what a fantastic achievement it will be for me!

For those of you that don't know me... Put it this way... I probably wouldn't even run if a lion were chasing me!

I'm also a mum to a gorgeous 3 year old and am also responsible for 4... yes 4 amazing dogs, 2 of which are working dogs for the Prison service, hence the reason that I'm supporting The National Foundation For Service Animals.

Please support both me and them if you can.

Lots of love, Nichola x

The National Foundation For Service Animals

The NFRSA is a non-profit organisation that supports retired service animals, helping their owners and handlers by contributing to ongoing medical and veterinary care.

These beautiful dogs and horses dedicate their lives to the public, and alongside their handlers and riders, they give their all to keeping us safe.

So it is only right we should be there for them in their retirement, and the NFRSA pledge to help make their twilight years happy and, above all, healthy.

Most service animals work until they are between 8 and 10 years of age, and when they retire, they hope to remain with their handler as a pet. During that period, the working relationship between handler and service animal grows intensely— trusting each other with their lives daily.

Due to the nature of their work, it is almost impossible to obtain meaningful insurance. Moreover, if available, insurance companies' premiums are often beyond the financial reach of the owners, whether they be their original handler or the new owners. Either way, ensuring the medical welfare of a service animal is a big financial commitment.

Charities across the country work incredibly hard to help retired police dogs in their particular county. However, there are still gaps where no such organisations exist, specifically in the fire and prison services, the border force, as well as numerous constabularies that currently do not have a local charity.

The NFRSA fills those gaps and supports fellow charities wherever possible.

By donating to my marathon run, you could be helping a retired police dog with its ongoing medication. Or you may contribute towards a retired police horse needing emergency treatment. Then there is the retired fire dog receiving life-saving surgery or a retired prison dog getting much-needed dental treatment. Your support makes a massive difference in the NFRSA's work.

Every heroic animal retired from working life needs our care and could benefit from your kindness and concern.

Thank you.