Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) is inviting dog lovers to take part in Hound Hike 100 to help raise vital funds for the life-saving charity as Adele Trathan discovered.
The event encourages participants to walk a total of 100 kilometres or 100 miles with their canine companions during the 31 days of May. Participants can walk at their own pace, in their own time, on days and times to suit them, and at locations of their choice.
Nick Turrell, Community Fundraising Manager, KSS said: “Hound Hike 100 is a wonderful way to give your dog walks a purpose this May. Each year, KSS needs to raise £16.6m – the equivalent of £45k per day – to operate our life-saving service. With 87% of our income raised through the generosity of our supporters, we rely on members of our local communities fundraising on our behalf.”
Keen dog walker Zoe Carrier from Battle, who fosters dogs from Romania and Bosnia that are awaiting rehoming, took part last year and had no hesitation signing up again to this year’s Hound Hike 100.
She said “I think Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex does the most amazing work, out in all weathers helping all sorts of people. When I first heard about Hound Hike 100 I thought if I can raise funds for this wonderful charity just by taking my dogs for a walk, which I would be doing anyway, then I have to do it.
“I have eight dogs at the moment, although I never walk more than three at a time, so it’s easy to clock up the miles.
“I signed up last year intending to complete 100 kilometres but decided to do 100 miles and managed to get them done before the end of the month. I had some fantastic support from people around my village. I stopped one person to ask them to take a photo and when they learned what I was doing they made a donation. One of my friends printed off a sponsor form and took it round everyone he knew, bringing in £190. In the end my dogs and I raised a total of £850, which was really pleasing.
“Last year the event was in April but I’m pleased to see it has been moved to May this year when hopefully my local footpaths will be a bit drier underfoot and we can get further afield! Whatever the weather is like I will be pleased to be walking my dogs for such an amazing charity.
“KSS always go the extra mile to help anyone who needs it, wherever and whenever, so me and my rescue pups are happy, ready and honoured to walk those extra miles to help them help those in need!”
To sign up for Hound Hike 100, please visit: www.aakss.org.uk/houndhike100
For further information about Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex: www.aakss.org.uk
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