FOUR legged friends will be taking the lead as dogs and their owners help raise funds for a local hospice.
Canines large and small are invited to enjoy a morning of tail wagging fun on Sunday April 10 as St Teresa’s Hospice, Darlington, stages its first ever Bark in the Park event.
The one mile walk, with a maximum of two circuits around South Park, Darlington, will be sponsored by Vets for Pets, Pet Pals, Pets at Home and Harringtons.
The event, which will be officially opened by Darlington Mayor Cllr Tom Nutt, is part of St Teresa’s 30 year anniversary celebrations and it is hoped will raise in excess of £3,000 towards its soon to be opened £1.2m new 10-bed inpatient unit.
Income generation team member Scott Marshall, who will be walking his four year old labrador collie cross Poppy, said: “This is a great opportunity for dogs and their well behaved owners to enjoy a walk in the fresh air while raising much needed funds for St Teresa’s.
“It’s also an opportunity to reach out to people in the community who might not have supported us in the past.
“It’s sure to be a fantastic day for both dogs and their walkers.”
Alongside the sponsored walk St Teresa’s Hospice is also hoping to have a dog agility performance as well as market stalls and a tombola One lucky entrant will also walk away with a £100 voucher to spend at Pets at Home, Darlington!
Chief executive of St Teresa’s Hospice Jane Bradshaw will be leading the pack with her Bedlington Terrier Barney.
“I’m very excited about our Bark in the Park and Barney is even more excited as he’s looking forward to meeting lots of new four legged hospice supporters on the walk.”
Entry for the event which commences at 10:30am, following registration at 9:30am, is £5 per person with a suggested sponsorship of £15.
To take part, register online at www.darlingtonhospice.org.uk or collect a registration form from any of the St Teresa’s charity shops in the town or from reception at the Hospice on Woodland Road.