A dedicated group of runners from Sheffield are preparing to take on the world's biggest half-marathon to help fund the training of hero hounds. Members of Haggy's Bootcamp, also known as 'Team Haggy's', will participate in the Great North Run in September to raise money for the national charity Support Dogs.
Support Dogs: A Lifeline for Many
The charity, also based in Sheffield, trains and provides specialist assistance dogs to help autistic children, as well as those with epilepsy or a physical disability, to live safer, more independent lives. The fitness enthusiasts have already held a variety of fundraising events over the past few months, including a curry cook-off and a charity hike.
Support Dogs Calls for More Runners
Support Dogs hopes that more running and fitness clubs will join them in tackling the Great North Run, which takes place between Newcastle and South Shields on September 13.
From Lockdown to a Thriving Community
Haggy's Bootcamp was founded by David Haggerty, of Sothall, Sheffield, during the lockdown. The 35-year-old fitness buff, who previously played for Rotherham United, explained how it all began. 'I'm a very active person – I like to go to the gym and always played football. During lockdown, all the gyms were shut, so I started to do HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). Back then, you could only have five people meeting up together, so I did a small HIIT class and it snowballed from there.'
What started as a small group of friends meeting for fitness sessions now boasts 150 members from across Sheffield, who participate in team runs, walks, badminton, and outdoor bootcamps throughout the week.
Fundraising for a Worthy Cause
'We do a lot of fundraising for charity, and when we heard more about what these wonderful support dogs do, we jumped at the chance to help,' said David, who works monitoring hazardous chemicals in hospitals. 'For someone with epilepsy, these dogs can alert to seizures, giving vital time to get somewhere safe. For people with disabilities, they offer practical assistance while boosting confidence and independence. For an autistic child, a support dog can help reduce anxiety, encourage communication, and make everyday situations feel safer.'
David has never completed the Great North Run before but cheered on a friend last year. 'It was amazing. I've recently done the Manchester Half Marathon, and I think the Great North Run is on a different level.' The group has set a fundraising target of £6,000.
Gratitude from Support Dogs
Katie Williamson, Community Fundraiser at Support Dogs, expressed her gratitude. 'We're incredibly grateful to Haggy's Bootcamp for their support, and we wish every one of their Great North runners the best of luck on the day. We'd love to hear from any other groups, businesses, or organisations who would like to sign up for the Great North Run on our behalf. Training these amazing dogs takes time, expertise, and significant funding. Every mile they run is for the families whose lives are transformed by these dogs.'
Haggy's Bootcamp is also hosting a Race Night at Treeton Miners' Welfare Club from 7pm on Friday, July 3. To sponsor their Great North runners, visit the fundraising page. For more information about registering for the Great North Run for Support Dogs, visit their website.
