Deerhound enthusiast Alex Paisey, who works in the Kennel Club's events department, has raised over £1,000 for Cancer Research by running in the London Marathon in a time of three hours, 48 minutes and 33 seconds.
Alex ran in memory of his grandfather, Patrick Paisey, who died of cancer in 2013, and of whom Alex said: "Cancer is an awful disease that has affected nearly every single one of us, including myself. Nearly three years ago my family lost an inspirational figure in our lives when my grandfather lost his battle with cancer. He was a huge loss not only to my family, but also to the City of Salisbury and Wiltshire itself, as a previous Mayor and County Councillor. This is the first time I had really been affected by cancer and the devastation it causes."
A popular figure on the events team at Crufts, Alex shares his parents' enthusiasm for dog showing. However, in the lead-up to the marathon, he was worried that his commitments around the time of Crufts, as well as his attendance at other shows as a Deerhound handler, would affect his chances of being ready and fit enough to achieve his aim of finishing the race in under four hours. In the event, he need not have worried.
Alex commented: "The main reason for doing this marathon was to raise funds for Cancer Research to help them battle this awful disease. The response could not have been better and to date I have raised £1,100. I am so thankful to every single person who has donated, as the money is going to a great cause. The support I have received from family, friends and colleagues has been overwhelming. I feel so blessed to know so many fantastic people."
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, commented: "Congratulations to Alex from everyone at the Kennel Club. What a fantastic achievement."
Anyone wanting to sponsor Alex for his great effort, may do so at www.justgiving.com/Alex-Paisey1.