Could Your Dog Walk Help a Bereaved Child This May?

A Cornish charity is calling on dog owners across the county to lace up their walking boots and hit the trails this May, raising money for bereaved children and their families.

Penhaligon’s Friends, which provides specialist support to more than 1,000 bereaved children and their families throughout Cornwall each year, is running its second annual dog walking fundraiser throughout May. The event, called Walk Every Day in May, asks participants to walk daily across the month while raising sponsorship for the cause.

Why it matters

Around one child in every classroom loses a parent or sibling each year. Penhaligon’s Friends works to ensure those children and their families receive the support they need, and this challenge is designed to both raise vital funds and awareness of that work.

How it works

Signing up costs a £10 donation, which sets up a personal JustGiving fundraising page for friends and family to contribute to. Participants choose their own distance target, whether that is 30 miles, 60 miles, or more across the month. Everyone who signs up will receive a special Pooch Pack from the charity, containing a Penhaligon’s Friends dog bandana, treats, and helpful resources.

Megan Price, Fundraising and Communications Coordinator at Penhaligon’s Friends, said: “After a successful 30th anniversary and first dog walk event last year, we’re looking forward to as many people as possible taking on the challenge Walk Every Day in May.

“Last year, we saw lots of amazing fundraisers sharing photos of their dogs and we’d love to encourage people to do the same this year, combining enjoying fresh air and exercise with supporting an important cause.

“Every penny donated to the campaign will go towards supporting bereaved children, young people and their families across Cornwall.”

Sponsored by a local vet group with a personal connection

The challenge is sponsored by Penmellyn Veterinary Group, which runs six practices across Cornwall, from Bodmin and Padstow to Pool. The sponsorship carries a personal dimension for the organisation, as some of its staff have themselves received support from Penhaligon’s Friends.

Gina Togneri, Clinical Director at Penmellyn Veterinary Group, said: “We were delighted to have the opportunity to support Penhaligon’s Friends with this event on many levels. This charity is incredible in terms of both their work with young people and the support they provide bereaved families.

“We have first-hand experience of their amazing work through the assistance provided to some of our staff and their families during difficult times. We are also very aware of the positive impact our pets have in supporting us through such tough times. Our support of Penhaligon’s Friends and their dog walking challenge gives us a great opportunity to be involved with this fantastic cause.”

How to get involved

The challenge begins on Thursday 1st May. Individuals and teams can register at the Penhaligon’s Friends JustGiving page before then. For more about the charity and the work it does, visit penhaligonsfriends.org.uk.