FOR most people, the thought of running 26-miles is a barking mad idea – but not for one dog-loving Topsham woman. Rhona Hope, of Newcourt Road, is taking part in the famous London Marathon, on Sunday, April 25, to raise money for Dogs Trust, the UK s l

FOR most people, the thought of running 26-miles is a 'barking mad' idea - but not for one dog-loving Topsham woman.

Rhona Hope, of Newcourt Road, is taking part in the famous London Marathon, on Sunday, April 25, to raise money for Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity.

The 56-year-old senior manager, chose to support it because of the special bond she has with her pet, Joey, a nine-year-old King Charles Cavalier Spaniel.

"I'm running for Dog's Trust as Joey was the reason I got into running in the first place.

"The trust offered me a golden bond-place for the London Marathon so I thought I'd go for it. I kind of thought, it's now or never really.

"I started running with Joey, but to be fair he's not up to doing the distances we do for marathon training.

"I go for a run with him on a Thursday where we probably go to Exmouth beach and do walks on the Beer and Branscombe route at weekends."

Rhona said she was getting ready for the marathon by training on a number of occasions throughout the week.

"I'm preparing with the women's running network. We do a long run on a Saturday morning and I go to Exeter Arena with them on a Monday night for some speed work.

"I then join the Topsham's running network on a Tuesday where we do hill work and run around the town."

Rhona hopes to raise �1250 for the Dogs Trust.

She organised an Italian-themed evening with friends last Saturday, of two courses and a glass of wine for a minimum of �10 to go towards her fundraising effort.

She added: "I'm hoping to organise a race night in Plymouth for the people I work with and I'm planning on getting a group of friends to do a bag pack at Tescos.

"I've never done anything like this (a marathon) before and am more worried about raising the money than running in the event," she laughed.

If you would like to sponsor Rhona, visit www.justgiving.com/Rhona-Hope0