LOCAL man, Mike Smith and his dog, Molly, will take part in a sponsored dog walk to raise money for Alzheimer’s charity and the St Catharine’s Church hall fund.
Mike has organised the sponsored walk after witnessing how much his friend, who has Alzheimer’s, enjoyed their walks together. He is hoping to get lots of people involved to walk with him and Molly to raise money for the charity Alzheimer’s Support, and also St Catherine’s Church hall fund.
Mike said, “In the summer of 2018 I had the pleasure of walking my dog with a friend who has Alzheimer’s. I was touched and inspired by how he was when he was out with me and Molly, my soft coated wheaten terrier.
“I belong to a small charity attached to St Catharine’s Catholic SVP. We wanted to donate some money to the hall fund, but are unable to do this. Also, after my personal experience with my friend, I also wanted to donate to Alzheimer’s. After a chat, we came up with the idea of a sponsored walk.
“After the event, a number of volunteer and charity groups will be represented in the church hall, where people can have a cup of tea and a cake while looking at what’s available for people.
“The walk is on Saturday 25th May at Park Road from 2.00pm. Meet in the Steiner Academy car park. There is a very easy one-mile walk, fairly flat, that absolutely anyone can do. Also a three-mile medium walk on pavements, but crossing roads and a few small hills. The seven-mile walk is for sensible people as there are lanes without pavements, fields and walk by a river and hills.
“So, something for everyone. You do not even need a dog to do the walk. Cost is £5 per dog or person, sponsor forms are available to raise extra money for Alzheimer’s. Raise more than £25 and the walk is free.
“We are looking for marshals on the day to help with road crossing. If anyone is interested in walking or helping on the day please email michaelsmith131@ gmail.com.”
Above: Mike Smith with his dog, Molly.