Volunteer group’s dog walk raises £3500 content
A volunteer group has raised more than £3500 for Yorkshire Cancer Research after hosting its popular dog walk.
The event, organised by the Helmsley Volunteer Group, was attended by 50 people and their furry friends.
First held in 2014, the walk has become a celebration of loved ones who have passed away from cancer.
Fiona Lovell, who is Chair of the volunteer group, said: “I had a close friend of mine pass away of cancer, and other members of the group had also lost loved ones, so we wanted to make it a memorial walk. It was to celebrate our loved ones and remember them together.”
The hour-long walk took place at Beadlam Grange Farm in North Yorkshire and was guided by farm owner Mark Rooke.
Fiona continued: “After the Covid-19 lockdowns, we couldn’t wait to get everyone together and we thought that being outside in the fresh air would be the perfect idea.
“We thankfully had nice weather, which meant that once we got back, we could catch-up over coffee and cake. We also held a raffle. It was lovely to be back together again.”
The walk was also attended by Yorkshire Cancer Research’s Director of Research, Services and Policy, Dr Stuart Griffiths.
Stuart said: “It was a real treat to be able to attend the dog walk. Not only was it great to be out in the fresh air, but it’s always lovely to chat to people who are dedicated to raising money for the charity. Their support means we can continue to fund vital research in Yorkshire.”
Fiona said: “It was brilliant to have Stuart with us too. It gave people who fundraise for the charity the chance to chat to him about how the money raised is being spent.
“We are really pleased with how popular the dog walk was, and it made a fantastic amount of money, so we will definitely continue to do this as an annual event.”
The Helmsley volunteer group was first formed in 1968 and has since raised more than £440,000 to help prevent, diagnose and treat cancer in Yorkshire.