Wanted! Dogs and walkers sought for North East loneliness charity fundraiser

Dog walkers and their canine companions are being invited to participate in the annual ‘Walk for Wag’ fundraiser to raise money for a North East charity.

The fundraising event which is being held for regional charity Wag & Company, which works to combat loneliness among older dog lovers.

The charity was set up seven years ago, and has a network of volunteers who visit older dog lovers in their homes as well as in care homes or in medical establishments.

Walk for Wag will take place at Kielder Waterside in Northumberland on Saturday, September 23, and is a chance for people to get together with their pooches to walk 10km, with a 3km option also available.

Previous Walk for Wag events have raised more than £10,000 for the charity, funding 15 visiting Wag Teams for a whole year, which have made 450 visits to older people in their own homes.

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Diane Morton, Founding Director of Wag & Company, said: “This is such an important fundraiser for us, our volunteers and supporters. Last year was a lovely day out and we hope it will be an even bigger and better supported this year.

“This fabulous family day out would not be possible without all the walkers who support us, the event volunteers but also our business sponsors including Arco who provide all the walker T-shirts and, of course, Northumbrian Water’s team at Kielder who host the event and provide the PA system, radios and free parking for walkers.

“Their senior managers even become part of our set up and event management team, physically helping to support the whole event. This year we’re delighted that the amazing Hexham Uketeers as well as our friends from the Northumbria Police Dog section will be back with us too.”

Diane added: “We’re also launching our own little Waggie Tails Fun Dog Show for walkers, with prizes donated and presented by the talented Alex Clark Art from Corbridge. So, if your dog’s the prettiest or the most handsome, this is their moment!”

For more information on how to get involved please visit the Wag & Company website.