I'm doing this for Border Collie Rescue because....

I’ve always wanted a Border Collie but felt I had neither the lifestyle or experience to own one, then I came across Border Collie Rescue when I saw the charities stall at a car boot sale at Murton near York.

There was a poster advertising for volunteers at the York centre and I thought that, even if I could not provide a home for one, perhaps I could help out by contributing some time, so I gave my details to the lady volunteer running the stall.

Shortly afterwards I got a call and was invited to the centre to meet  some of the 23 resident guests there at the time. You cannot help but admire this breed of dog for their energy, loyalty and tenacity and I was hooked and am now a regular volunteer, helping with the general care and exercise of the dogs whenever I can spare the time.

One dog, Mollie, (see photo) has become my training partner and running companion so I will be wearing a T-shirt with her photo on it during the runs.

I like the ethos of Border Collie Rescue, the fact that it's a voluntary organisation, the care taken over the dogs, the careful rehoming and the hard work put in by the volunteers, particularly Nicki Oliver, who looks after the dogs. By running these marathons I can help raise some valuable funds to help the organisations work.

I am dedicating these Marathons to the memory of my Shetland Sheepdog, Symba, who died earlier this year.

Lieutenant Colonel Jan Pilgrim is an Army Nursing Officer in Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps and was recently Chief Instructor at the Army Medical Training Centre – Strensall. Jan is currently working in 2 Medical Brigade HQ, Queen Elizabeth Barracks, York.

She is a keen runner and has competed in many half, full and ultra marathons, many in aid of charity.

On this occasion she has given herself an extra challenge by running two full marathons in one week – Kielder on 9^th October (a beautiful marathon around the Kielder Reservoir in Northumberland) and Abingdon (Oxfordshire) on 16^th October (which also encompasses the Army Marathon).

I enjoy all the aspects of working with the dogs at Border Collie Rescue, even the basic cleaning work.

Here I am with (Left to Right) Mollie, puppy Shadow (aged 14 weeks) and shy Glen.

To help raise awareness of the charity I have put together a rather fetching outfit, which, although it reflects the traditional livery and colours of the Border Collie, is a mile away from standard army combat issue!

One dog, Mollie, has become my training partner and running companion.

Mollie's previous owner is a tri-athlete and took Mollie out daily on long runs.

Mollie misses these routines and really looks forward to my visits.

Neither of us seem to be able to wear the other out, but we both benefit and are very happy after an hour or so running together.

Copyright - Border Collie Rescue - 3037504

Border Collie Rescue is a UK based charity, working Internationally to Rescue and Re-home Border Collies and Working Sheepdogs and promote a better understanding of the breed and its Welfare.