A Milford Haven School teacher is putting on his running shoes to raise funds for Greenacres Animal Rescue at today's (Sunday’s) Cardiff half-marathon.

History and geography teacher Richard Hillier, 26, of Neyland, a former learning support assistant at Pembroke School, was moved to raise funds for the animal welfare group after seeing pictures of puppy Tommie, who needs heart surgery at a cost of £3,500.

The animal rescue centre recently set up Tommie’s Heart Fund in a bid to save the Welsh Collie cross pup.

“I heard about it from my family, and I thought why not? It’s for a good local cause,” said Richard. He added: “I’m from a family of animal lovers, when I saw that I couldn’t say no.”

Richard, who will be running his fifth half-marathon, is raising funds through the Go fund me charity website, www.gofundme.com/ch52dkw8.

Anyone who can’t donate online is asked to donate directly to Greenacres.