Woman to run Orsted Great Grimsby 10k dressed as a Husky
The event takes place on Sunday 5th June
The Orsted Great Grimsby 10k run takes place this Sunday and one woman has decided to take part dressed as a Husky.
Mel Hannam is taking on the challenge in aid of the 'War Paws' charity - which helps pets caught up conflicts around the world.
Mel credits her doggy family including Siberian Huskies called Pyewacket and Hexie with helping her get through lockdown.
On Sunday 5 June, she will run through the streets of Grimsby wearing a full husky suit to raise money for charity War Paws which helps pets caught up in conflicts around the world.
The charity’s aim is to alleviate pain and suffering of animals in hostile environments and areas of civil conflict by providing much needed animal welfare and rabies control programmes.
War Paws has partnered with Breaking the Chains and DogBus to go into Ukraine and extract as many animals as possible and resupply shelters that had been left with no access to food and medical supplies - a mammoth and dangerous task.
Mel Hannam tells us why she's taking on the challenge:
“Like many people, I felt very isolated, lonely and anxious during the COVID lockdowns but my huskies stopped me from getting too depressed
“They keep me on my toes, make me smile and sometimes make me tear my hair out but they mean the absolute world to me.
"Recently, I saw a photograph of someone literally carrying their elderly husky as they fled their home in Ukraine. This was followed by dozens of touching images, people with cats, parrots, all kinds of beloved pets desperately trying to take them out of danger.
"For someone whose doggos are her family, that really resonated with me.
“Then I began reading about the brave people going into Ukraine to rescue animals separated from their owners in the chaos and to take supplies to animal shelters, zoos and parks that had been left with no food or medicines for the animals they were caring for. I really wanted to do something to help and hit on this slightly mad idea!
"As someone who runs regularly with her dogs, Mel is all too aware how careful you have to be exercising your pets in the warmer months to avoid dangerous heatstroke or sore paws from hot pavements.
“You often see people out with their dogs on hot days and you want to tell them to put on a furry coat and see what it feels like running around. Well, I guess I’m going to find out soon, when I run the Ørsted Great Grimsby 10K in a full husky costume.”
To donate to Mel’s cause, visit https://gofund.me/3d93374c