Snooper dog takes the lead on charity walk

22/08/2007

Two Jack Russell terriers from Hertfordshire are planning to embark on an 87 mile walk in September with their owners to raise money for The Blue Cross animal welfare charity and Cancer Research UK.

Dogs Snooper and Daisy will lead the walk on 24 September, closely followed by their owners Michelle Thompson and her father Peter.  The quartet plan to walk the entire length of the Ridgeway trail in six days, starting at Avebury in Hertfordshire and finishing at Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire.

Commenting on the walk, Michelle said: Snooper was a rescue dog from The Blue Cross so we wanted to give a little back by taking part in Take Your Dog To Work Day.  When we heard about the walking theme for this year's event we thought we'd go a step further and walk the Ridgeway trail.  My Dad is taking part to raise money for Cancer Research UK in memory of his father who died of cancer when he was in his early fifties.

The family have already raised £2,000 from local donations but are keen to reach their £3,000 target.

Michelle added, If people would like to sponsor us and show their support we would be very grateful.  We've set up a Just Giving page online at www.justgiving.com/walkridgeway and people can donate as little or as much as they like.

Ends
Notes to editors

Photos of the Thompson family preparing for the walk are available on request

Take Your Dog to Work Day is an annual fundraising event organised by The Blue Cross, which encourages animal lovers across the country to take their own dogs into work for the day.  The event asks dog owners to consider how they can spend more time with their pets and raises vital funds for thousands of sick and homeless animals cared for by the charity every year.  To register to take part or to find out more, please visit www.takeyourdogtoworkday.co.uk.

The Blue Cross animal charity provides practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of small animal and equine adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.  For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk.

Media contact
Ziela Haider, Press Officer, 020 7932 4063 or ziela.haider@bluecross.org.uk