AN East Renfrewshire woman is running the London Marathon in aid of the animal charity which saved her dog’s life.

Alison Macbeth is set to take part in her second marathon on behalf of the Scottish SPCA.

Choosing a charity to support was an easy decision for Alison, whose pet pooch Oatis was given a new lease of life thanks to help from the animal welfare charity.

Alison, who works as a doctor for the NHS, said: “I’m looking forward to running the London Marathon for the Scottish SPCA as I’m so grateful to them for saving my dog’s life.

“Oatis was found as a stray with a badly-deformed back leg and was in a terrible state.

“The Scottish SPCA nursed him back to health and, unfortunately, had to amputate his back leg.

“Oatis is now incredibly fit and healthy and loves nothing more than swimming at the beach and chasing his ball. We cannot imagine life without him.”

Alison, from Newton Mearns, recently completed the Inverness Half-Marathon and, in January, took part in the Dopey Challenge at Disneyland Florida.

She said: “That challenge included a 5k, 10k, half-marathon and marathon, completed over four days. It was great fun and I’m looking forward to my next event in London.

“At the moment, I’m nursing a sprained hamstring, but I’m not too concerned. I’m not a fast runner but I will get there in the end.”

Peter Fleming, manager of the Scottish SPCA’s Lanarkshire Rescue and Rehoming Centre, said: “We think that Alison’s efforts are incredible and we’re sure Oatis is bursting with pride too.

“This is such an amazing challenge to take on and we’re extremely grateful to Alison for her continued support of the society as we rely solely on the generosity of the public to help us care for abused, abandoned and neglected animals each year.

“We wish Alison all the very best for the big day.”

To sponsor Alison, make a donation online by clicking here.