Elliott races for the finish line in memory of grandad

28th March 2018

A Sheffield man is putting his best foot forward to raise money for two local charities which are close to his heart.

Elliott Griffiths, 27, who works as assistant bar manager at Owlerton Greyhound Stadium on Penistone Road, will take on the 13.1-mile Sheffield Half Marathon next month to raise funds and awareness for St. Luke's Hospice, a charity which cared for Elliott's grandfather towards the end of his life. He will also be supporting the Greyhound Trust Sheffield, a long-term charity partner of Owlerton and an organisation which works to rehome greyhounds following the end of their time racing at the track. Elliott, who lives in Heeley, said: -St Luke's Hospice did an unbelievable job in helping care for my grandad, so naturally I want to do my bit and give something back. -They're a charity which will always be close to my heart so I just want to do my part in raising some money my family are chuffed that I'm running for St Luke's! -I also wanted to run for the Greyhound Trust as greyhounds are the reason Owlerton exists. -They're the reason I have a job so it felt right for me to raise money for a cause which does so much for the industry. The Greyhound Trust makes a real difference by providing care and finding loving homes for the dogs the work that the Trust does in partnership with Owlerton, is essential for the greyhound racing industry. Elliott comes from a family of marathon runners with his father and uncle having completed a total of seven full marathons between them. -Marathons kind of run in the family no pun intended! said Elliott. -My uncle has done four full marathons, and my dad has completed three. I've always said I wanted to run the Sheffield Half Marathon, but I never wanted to do it alone. So, after being persuaded to join a friend of mine I took up the challenge. -I've not run properly for nine years and have gained a lot of weight since then through training and changing my diet I've now lost almost two stone already, so it's been great for my health too. Dave Perry, general manager at Owlerton Greyhound Stadium, said: -It's great to see what Elliott is doing for two great local causes. -The Sheffield Greyhound Trust clearly plays a huge role in helping us at Owlerton find homes for dogs which have raced at the track, and St. Luke's Hospice is a fantastic charity which helps so many local people including Elliott and his family. -We'll be cheering Elliott on every step of the way. For more information on Owlerton Stadium visit www.owlertonstadium.co.uk or call 0114 234 3074.