Woman on course to run 30 marathons in a year raises money for Battersea Homes on International Dog Day

A fundraiser who is running 30 marathons for 30 charities before she turns 30, will be putting on her running shoes this Saturday for International Dog Day to raise money for Battersea Dogs Homes.

Lucinda Layfield, 29, will be taking to Battersea Park to complete her 18th marathon of 2023, in her epic “30 before 30” challenge that has already seen her run over 440 miles.

Ms Layfield, who lives next to Battersea Park, said: “I’ve run marathons all over the UK, but this one will be extra special for me as Battersea is so close to where I live.

“I’m a real animal lover and we have seven dogs in my family. I’m hoping they’ll all have their paws crossed for me as I’m doing my running! 

“I’d like to say it gets easier with every marathon I do, but I still find each and every one tough going. 

“I’m still managing to enjoy it though and it’s so worth it knowing I’ll be helping Battersea especially on International Dog Day.”  

Ms Layfield is set to run 15 laps around her local park to hit the 26.2-mile marathon distance and will be supported on the day by her partner, and pet Labradors Achilles and Hector.    

She said: “Once I’ve got my breath back from all these marathons me and my partner will hopefully be looking to welcome a Battersea rescue canine into our lives!”. 

The inspiring runner and dog lover said she decided to take on the challenge to do something “memorable” in the lead up to her 30th birthday in November.

By the end of her challenge, Ms Layfield will have run a total of 786 miles and she has so far raised almost a third of her £30,000 fundraising goal.    

Jess Farey, public events assistant at Battersea Dogs Home, said: “Ms Layfield is such an inspiration to us all. 

“We really can’t thank her enough for choosing to help our work and we wish her all the best for the run on Saturday. 

“All of the money raised will allow our dedicated staff to care for the thousands of dogs and cats that need our help everywhere”.

 To donate to Ms Layfield’s fundraising page visit  https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/30for30before-30

Pictured top: Lucinda Layfield (Picture: Battersea Dogs Home)