PAT SHUKER was delighted to join hundreds of people in the great gorilla run in London to raise money for the Gorilla Organisation - but she was even more pleased to get out of the gorilla suit she had to wear to take part.
She said: "It was so hot that even the dirty horrible Thames looked inviting - I wanted to jump in and cool off. I didn't want to drink water as we went along -I just poured it over my head to cool down."
The course was seven kilometres weaving through central London and Pat opted to walk rather than run the route, completing it in one hour 25 minutes.
Pat, 68, who lives in Dorchester, was thrilled to raise almost £500 for the charity and hopes to take part again next year, preferably with a group of people from the area.
Every entrant puts an extra payment up front which covers costs including their gorilla suits. Pat is keeping hers as a memento of the day along with a medal presented by TV birdwatcher Bill Oddie at the end of the race.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article