A WOMAN has raised more than £1,500 for a charity that supported her late mother.

Anne Houston, who lives in Reading, ran the Brighton Marathon yesterday to raise money for Canine Partners - which partners specially trained assistance dogs with people who have physical disabilities.

Anne said: "I remember when she first got into the wheelchair and we went to a restaurant. The waitress didn't even look at mum, she spoke to me."

She explained that moments like that would upset her mother, Barbara, as she felt ignored.

However, when Canine Partners provided her with Mungo, a labrador retriever, she was able to regain some of her independence and a new lease on life.

Anne said: "He gave her the freedom she needed to do what she wanted when she wanted. She didn't have to rely on others.

"He gave her friendships through the activities they did together and through the charity itself. She felt noticed by people again, when she had felt ignored before. He gave her comfort, companionship, love and security.

"It really did change her life."

Mungo would pick up anything she dropped, helped her in and out of bed, put washing in and out of the machine and collect meat from the butchers shop.

Barbara died in January of Covid.

Running her first ever marathon wasn't as trouble-free as Anne had hoped. She found the heat got to her and was frustrated that her music didn't work until 16 miles into the race.

She said: "I felt that all my planning went down the drain, but I completed it and I guess that's what matters at the end of the day."

Focusing on what her mum would have said when she was struggling, as well as the supportive crowds along the route, helped her get through and finish the marathon.

The marathon also had added meaning to Anne, as it marked Mungo's 13th birthday - who has since retired from his role.

Anne's fundraiser raised £1,546 for the charity - people can donate at justgiving.com/fundraising/Anne-Houston.

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