I’m pushing myself to the limit to help puppies like my Bramble
Animal lover running gruelling mega marathon to help charity
A West Lothian woman is taking on one of the world’s toughest events to raise funds for charity.
Scottish SPCA supporter Lynne Lamont is doing the Marathon Des Sables to raise funds to help the charity stop the low-welfare puppy trade.
The challenge is over six days and involves running more than 250km (156 miles).
It is billed as ‘The Toughest Footrace on Earth’ and crosses the Sahara Desert.
The Lamont family, who live in Linlithgow, rehomed their spaniel, Bramble, from the SSPCA after she was seized from a puppy farm with 70 other dogs in 2017.
Bramble had to stay in the care of the society for 10 months to undergo veterinary treatment and rehabilitation.
Lynne said: “Bramble still has physical and mental scars because of her background.
“She came with her challenges but thank goodness she survived and got out, unlike many other dogs suffering significantly today that the Scottish SPCA have not yet got to.
“When we first visited the centre to meet one of the puppies involved in the raid, the team kept mentioning a dog called Julie who was a working cocker spaniel.
“We were looking for a springer, as that is what we have had in the past, but we were intrigued by Julie.
“As Julie was brought out to meet us, my son Hamish, then 10, was outside the rehoming centre. Julie spotted Hamish and made a beeline for him. She sat in front of him and gave him all her paws. It was like she’d chosen us already – it was a beautiful moment.
“We renamed Julie to Bramble and there’s
been no looking back since. When Bramble first came home, she was a bit scared of everything as she’d never been in a home or walked off a lead.
“At that time, we had our other spaniel, Fernie, who she took the lead from. Bramble looked to Fernie to teach her how to behave and she learned so much from him.
“I can only imagine a time when all she would have had to roll on was concrete so no wonder she enjoys her home comforts.”
Lynne explained why she has chosen to do the Marathon Des Sables, adding: “I have previously run marathons and I decided to take on this challenge as I really wanted to push myself to the limit physically and mentally to raise funds for something I am so passionate about. This is six marathons with the longest stage being 80km (52 miles).
“It is a self-sufficient race so you carry all of your food, cooking and sleeping equipment but with water rations provided.
“Temperatures are likely to be up to 50 degrees, so it will be a huge physical and mental challenge.
“Knowing I can do something to help tackle this horrific trade, especially now when the demand for puppies is so high, will help keep me going as I cross the desert.
“I’ll be thinking of Bramble and many other dogs not so lucky for the duration. Sadly she is just one of thousands of puppies involved in this appalling industry. She is one of the lucky ones.”
The SSPCA receives no government funding and is reliant on generous supporters like Lynne to continue delivering its vital services.
Scottish SPCA director of fundraising, Anna Devine, said: “We are in awe of this incredible challenge Lynne is embarking on. The lowwelfare puppy trade is clearly something Lynne is very passionate about after rescuing Bramble from one of our centres.
“We have created sensory gardens in many of our centres which are designed for dogs who have not been well socialised or who have grown up in a kennelled environment, like Bramble would have.
“The funds Lynne raises will go towards the rehabilitation of animals to allow them to go on and live the life they were supposed to, preferably with lots of cuddles and a nice cosy bed, just like Bramble. We wish Lynne the very best of luck with the challenge and can’t wait to hear how it goes.”
You can find Lynne’s justgiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ Lynne-Lamont1 and find out more about fundraising for the Scottish SPCA here: www. scottishspca.org/support/fundraise.