HOUNDS ARE THE STARS FOR GOLD MEDALLIST HARLEY

Deanne Deakin introduces Dunstall Park's newest kennel hand Harley

- Deanne Deakin

Deane Deakin, wife of Dunstall Park trainer Simon, shares the inspirational story behind her husband's newest kennel hand - her remarkable brother Harley.

Special Olympics star Harley has made a massive impact in everything he has been involved with, but it is the dogs at Dunstall Park and trainer Simon who have made a life-changing impression on him.

Deanne explained: "Greyhound racing was completely alien to me and my family before I met Simon. Oh, how times change!

"My caring, kind and happy-go-lucky brother Harley couldn't be without Simon and the dogs.

"So much so that we often joke if anything was to ever happen between myself and Simon, Harley would choose his brother-in-law every day. They really are the best of friends.

"2024 was a tough year for Harley. After both our parents - who lived in St Dennis, Cornwall - had passed away, Harley lost pretty much everything he knew in the remote southwest.