I adopted Ted from Battersea when I started my PhD, partly to break the routine of sitting in front of a computer every day and stop me driving myself crazy. In the past 7 years he's lived with me, I've been incredibly grateful for the companionship, the ability to snap me out of a terrible mood, and the new people he's introduced me to. Dogs like Ted give so much to everyone they meet, but as humans we rarely return the favour.

Over lockdown, many people bought pets to alleviate their isolation, but have since abandoned them  as we return to our old routines. By fundraising for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, I hope to help alleviate some of the pressures they've been put under as a result of such selfish actions.