Matt's 10k Run For Dogs Living with IVDD Fundraiser

Matt and Alfie ran 10km to raise money for dogs affected by IVDD (intervertebral disc disease), supported by the charity Dedicated to Dachshunds with IVDD.

The run took place on Sunday at Dedham, with Matt finishing in 51 minutes and Alfie in 41 minutes. 

Matt became involved in fundraising for dogs with IVDD when he had to say goodbye to his best friend Dougie due to IVDD complications last year, at only 4 years old. IVDD is a serious health condition that affects the cushioning discs in the spine, affecting many dog breeds, none more often than the dachshund, due to the lack of support for their long spine. Due to his condition, Dougie underwent many surgeries, paralysis and months of restricted quality of life to allow for recovery, with his last relapse too much for him to be put through again.

Dedicated to Dachshunds with IVDD is a charity that helps dogs and their families by supplying them with the equipment and support they need (such as strollers, incontinence aids and drag bags) to help the dogs going through the same struggles that Dougie faced a better quality of life, as well as helping their owners cope with their daily needs, and improving the chances of a full recovery.

Matt trained hard for the run, as he had only recently taken up running for the event, so it was a huge challenge for him.

If you would like to donate to his GoFundMe, you can help dogs with IVDD get the support they need.

 

In August, Matt, Alfie and Tom took part in Ride Essex, 110km bike ride. At the time of writing, Matt has got to 89% of his fund raising goal.