PC to run London marathon for retired police dogs

4 hours ago

Shariqua AhmedCambridgeshire

News image — Kirsten Hay said her dogs Molly and Goose inspired her to take on the challenge

Thin Blue Line Foundation Kristen, a woman, wearing a black branded T-shirt, with her two dogs - a black one and another brown one, sitting either side of her outside on some grass, with white blossom on a tree behind her. — Kirsten Hay said her dogs Molly and Goose inspired her to take on the challenge

A police officer will take on the London Marathon to raise money for a charity that supports retired service dogs.

Cambridgeshire Police constable Kirsten Hay, based in Peterborough, is a liaison officer who supports sex workers in the area.

Her partner Jack is a police dog handler and the couple's two dogs inspired her challenge.

The 26-year-old, who started running only a year ago by taking on the Couch to 5k challenge, said it was "appalling" that police dogs did not "get their own little pension".

"I know there's a lot of support for police officers but never felt there was enough for the dogs," said Kirsten, whose parents are both retired Met Police officers.

Their general-purpose dog Molly was medically retired a few months ago due to some heart issues, and their other pet Goose failed his search and detection training course.

Thin Blue Paw Foundation - her chosen charity - supports, rehabilitates and celebrates serving and retired police dogs.

Kirsten said she hoped to complete the 26.2 mile (42km) route on Sunday in under five hours.

"I wouldn't say I'm a natural runner so it has been a challenge. I'm excited for the day but I'm also excited for it to all be over."

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