Dogs lead the way on Barrow Park walk in aid of Ulverston hospice
Last updated at 14:44, Tuesday, 26 March 2013
FROM pugs to Alsatians, dogs of all shapes and sizes put their best paw forward for charity.
More than 45 dogs and their owners took part in a 2.5-kilometre walk around Barrow Park on Sunday in aid of St Mary’s Hospice.
Families from across the area brought their pooches out in force to get involved in the fourth Paws for Thought, a sponsored challenge for the Ulverston hospice.
The mayor of Barrow, Councillor Wendy Maddox, set the dogs and walkers off from the Cafe Pavilion.
A French bull mastiff walked along with petite Pomeranians in designer jackets, and the group also included everything from cocker spaniels to Labradors and boxers to greyhounds.
There were even some canines among the marshaling team – Bobby the golden retriever and Bonnie the cavapoo, owned by Tony and Carol Bradley – while Labradoodle Penny was strutting out at the front of the pack. The family dog of Emma Last, Penny has been a visitor to St Mary’s Hospice in the past.
Miss Last, of Barrow, said: “We took part last year, and it’s really nice to see lots more dogs.
“St Mary’s Hospice is so important to this area. Everyone knows someone touched by cancer. Penny used to visit a family friend who was at the hospice,”
Ten-year-old Lois Davill only decided to get involved in the event two days before, but she managed to raise £180.
The Yarlside Primary and Nursery School pupil was walking with her dog Charlie, a bichon frisé cross Maltese.
Lois, of Barrow, said: “I wanted to take part to help St Mary’s Hospice because it’s a nice place and it’s where people can go to have peaceful last moments.”
Back at the Cafe Pavilion, all the dogs received a goody bag of treats and a medal, provided by The Range.
The event is expected to raise £1,845 and counting. Sarah Gardner, events fundraiser at St Mary’s Hospice, said: “It’s unbelievable. We had 46 dogs registered this year and this is our first Paws for Thought at Barrow Park.
“It’s been a very good venue as people like to come here to walk their dogs. It’s something for all the family to take part in. We hope to hold another one in the summer.”
Mrs Gardner thanked all those who took part, the marshals, the parks team, Cllr Maddox and The Range.
First published at 16:10, Tuesday, 19 March 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
Have your say
We did the walk with our King Charles Cavalier and our Granddaughter Sophie, it was a great turn out, for a very worthy cause !!!!
Posted by sandra on 19 March 2013 at 21:19