FOLLOWING the successful Forest of Dean Canicross (FDC) event, the Mad Dog Jog and A Half held on March 19, the organisers were able to present Breast Cancer Now with a cheque for £1,000 as well as raising £600 for Cheltenham Animal Shelter.

Canicross involves cross-country running with dogs.

Event organiser Jacqui Wynds said: “Chris Hammersley, who is the race director for the Rotary Spring Half Marathon, kindly allowed the canicross races to use the course.

“We chose Breast Cancer Now as Chris had very sadly lost his daughter last year to cancer.

“Chris’s son Matt owns Apex Outdoor, one of the sponsors for the event. We’d like to thank all the competitors, helpers and sponsors who made the event possible.”

The event attracted nearly 200 competitors and their dogs from all over the country to run in either the six kilometre or half marathon. The fastest woman was Ruardean cani runner Kim Mazzucca and the fastest man was Jason Pascoe, who had travelled from Cornwall.