A NEW Forest runner is to take on a marathon challenge in aid of a dog charity.

David Hill will run the Anglesey Coastal Trail Marathon on January 18, and chose Greyhound Rescue West of England (GRWE) as the cause to benefit from his efforts.

He said: “I don’t normally ask for sponsorship when doing a run. However, I recently came across some very upsetting images which I could not ignore. Those pictures motivated me to raise money for GRWE.”

GRWE was named Animal Charity Team of the Year by the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes in 2013. The title was awarded in recognition of the work it does to rehome animals.

Mr Hill added: “I think GRWE do an amazing job in rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming unwanted and abused greyhounds and lurchers.

“My wife and I have a whippet and have fallen in love with all sight hounds due to their good natured and loving personalities.

“Wales in January is bound to be wet, windy and cold, but when I’m out on long training runs I think of the suffering dogs often endure, and what wonderful family pets they can become.”

To sponsor Mr Hill go to justgiving.com/davidpeterhill or visit grwe.com.