Running for charity – Richard Trigg's story

Why did you choose to raise money for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People?
One of my friends recently began working at the Charity. He often tells me about the fantastic work that hearing dogs do and how they change the life of a deaf person. So with this in mind, when I decided to take part in the Bupa Great North Run, running on behalf of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People seemed the obvious charity to choose.

How important do you feel the work of the Charity is?
It’s vital. Since supporting the Charity – I also ran the Bupa London 10k in May – I have found out specifically just how a hearing dog can help give a deaf person a new lease of life. I also think it’s important that deafness is made visible, and with a hearing dog – thanks to their burgundy jacket – this is achieved.

What would you say to someone thinking of raising money for the Charity?
I would say do it! Not only do the Charity support you fully before and after the race event itself, but they make sure that you learn more about just why and who you are raising for. I was very moved to learn more about the work Hearing Dogs for Deaf People across the country.

And finally, how tough was the run?
It was very tough! I am a keen runner but due to work commitments and also a couple of injuries during the summer, I hadn’t completed as much training as I would have hoped. I also played 90 minutes of football the previous day so to finish in a time of just over one hour and 40 minutes was very pleasing.

If you would like to take part in a running event and raise money for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, go to: www.hearingdogs.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising-sub-home-page/running-events.