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Dog lovers lead the way at Woofs and Wellies

06 May 2011

Hundreds of happy hounds and their owners were welcomed when they took part in a sponsored dog walk for Saint Francis Hospice.

Some 450 people and 400 dogs of all sizes and breeds joined the second Woofs and Wellies sponsored dog walk at Hainault Forest on May 1st and it is hoped they have raised around £15,000 for patient care at Saint Francis Hospice.

Highlights of the day include a demonstration from the Delta Dog Display Team, and a Companion Dog Show, which saw dogs winning prizes and rosettes for classes such as ‘dog with the waggiest tail’. All participants received a medal, a certificate and a goody bag.

Among the people who took part was Yvonne Garnham, from Dagenham, walking with her friend Maria Franklin, who travelled down from Birmingham for the day. They took their Jack Russell Toby, and Barney, a Lhasa Apso on the 5k route, which they walked in memory of Yvonne’s partner Eileen, who died in the hospice in 1985.

Yvonne said: “Being in the hospice gave Eileen back her dignity, they just cared for her so well and the care showed. It made a very big difference, she was more of the person I knew and loved in the hospice. They gave her back her life for a few weeks and she died with dignity.

“I thoroughly enjoyed Woofs and Wellies, I’m so glad I did it. It was nice to be able to take my time and not feel rushed, and just enjoy the route. I’ll definitely be back next year.”

David and Janice Rowat, from Romford, who walked with their daughter Tina Jackson, and their Battersea rescue dogs Della and Flossy.

David said: “The hospice is a fantastic cause, and as it relies so much on fundraising it’s been a pleasure to take part today and contribute. Della has received over £120 in sponsorship so far, which she is very pleased with! It’s been a lovely way to spend our Sunday while helping a local charity.”

Glennis Wright, 65, from Lowshoe Lane, Collier Row, took part with her sister Tracy Bailey and her daughters, as well as her granddaughter Natasha, 7, and dog Eddie an Airedale Terrier.

Glennis said: “A family friend was looked after by Saint Francis Hospice and their family thought the care and support they received was wonderful. The hospice helps provide dignity and comfort to people at their time of need and I’m glad to support such a good cause.

“We had a great time at Woofs and Wellies. Eddie was in the back of the car and as we pulled up and saw the hundreds of dogs he went crazy, he thought it was great! We did the short walk, it was well laid out and very well supervised, it gorgeous day for it and the area was beautiful. It was really friendly, our dog loved mixing with other dogs and we were chatting to people as we walked past.”
 
Event organiser Lauren Josman, from the Havering-based hospice, said: “It was great to see so many people bring their dogs out and support our walk. It was a lovely day and Hainault Forest is such a pretty setting for this event. I’d like to thank everyone for making Woofs and Wellies a success and all the money raised will help us provide free specialist care and support to people affected by life limiting illness, both in their homes and at the hospice.”

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