Lynne & Loki's campaign for Hamoaze House

Welcome to our fundraising page!  Before we get on to the fund raising and the challenge, I thought I’d give you a bit of background about why we are doing all of this…..

I am lucky enough to be part of a great team at Plymouth University who work to develop and evaluate interventions to improve health and wellbeing for groups that have been traditionally marginalised from society, including those in the criminal justice system. More and more I speak to people that I work with about the benefits of interventions including physical activity – from having fun playing a team sport to setting goals and challenging themselves to choosing physical activity to distract from cravings of addiction, to using a walk in the local park to practice mindfulness, to playing with their children or walking their dog. The list is endless.

Through my work, I have had the privilege and pleasure of working with Hamoaze House, which supports people to recover from the misuse of alcohol and other substances. The amazing people of Hamoaze, both those who attend the service and those who work there, are so welcoming and generous with their time and knowledge. Their support, enthusiasm and passion for improving people’s health and wellbeing has helped us to develop interventions that people want and have the best chance of making a difference. I never cease to be amazed by the honesty, insight, bravery and will to give something back of the people who have helped us with our research, often at a most challenging time in their lives. They are inspiring. I think it’s time I gave something back. Loki and I have been in to Hamoaze to ask people what we should raise funds for and they would like funding for sports equipment and adventure training  - physical activity is a big part of life at Hamoaze  -so we are setting ourselves some challenges this year to raise funds to make this happen! 

My dog Loki and I found each other at a time when we both needed rescuing. He had sadly just been returned to our local sanctuary following an unsuccessful rehoming. Having lived with and received treatment for PTSD over many years, I was in the midst of the one of the lowest episodes of depression I had experienced, and life did not feel worth living. And in walked Loki and a new (to me!) sport of canicross.  Hanging out with a great bunch of people and their gorgeous dogs, laughing, running and having fun was just the best thing.It became one of my life’s essential ingredients. The partnership with my dog, the confidence, the mental and physical health benefits and the sheer fun and adventure make this sport so special.

So what are we doing? Loki and I (supported by my daughter Kira) are currently in the French Alps about to start the Trophee des Montagnes, a 10 race canicross event over 9 days. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we would be doing this  - we are not the fastest, but we love to run together and love an adventure so here we are! We have further challenges planned for when we get home which we will post here, but for now our focus is on the next 9 days.

We would be so grateful if you can support our fundraising for Hamoaze House. Also, please follow us on our Instagram account (@tennesseerunningdog) for daily updates of our adventures in the Alps, comment support and cheer us on!! Thank-you!