WHILE the London Marathon was taking place this weekend, a woman braved her own trek along the streets of Worcester to raise cash for retired police dogs (RPD) in memory of her beloved German Shepherd Murphy.
On Sunday, Jill Byrne braved the ‘London Marathon My Way’, completing the 26.2-mile trek in seven hours and 44 minutes while raising over £3,000 for the West Mercia Retired Police Dogs Fund.
Jill has worked with West Mercia Police’s dog section for around two decades, and during that time, she has taken on three RPDs.
The last of her dogs, a German Shepherd called Murphy, passed away aged 14 in January.
Cash raised for the retired police dogs fund will go towards providing support for the veterinary needs and ongoing care of retired police dogs, including vet bills, hydrotherapy and laser therapy.
Jill said since the fund was set up, she had received donations towards Murphy’s vet bills.
She was also able to use cash from the fund to buy Murphy some wheels so he was able to get out and be independent on his walks and runs in his senior years.
Jill said: “In November, Murphy enjoyed his few days away in Devon at a few beaches on his wheels.
“Once a PD retires, it is no longer looked after by the police and they cannot be insured, so all vet bills are funded by the new owner.
“We have to continue ways of raising funds so we can support our retirees.
“They deserve the very best in their retirement, sometimes at a younger age due to injury.”
Visit www.gofundme.com/f/jills-marathon-walk-for-retired-police-dogs? to donate.
