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It's a dog's life as pooches walk for free at Iain Rennie Hospice at Home's Chilterns Three Peaks Challenge
The Iain Rennie Hospice at Home (IRHH) charity is giving dogs free entry to its Chilterns Three Peaks Challenge on Sunday, September 19 at what promises to be the biggest sponsored event in the Chilterns. IRHH hopes that 2,000 walkers will bring their canine friends to walk five, nine or 18 miles along the Chilterns Ridgeway. The charity aims to beat the £80 raised last year to help patients across the Chilterns with life-limiting illnesses who wish to cared for in their own homes. If every walker raises £150 in sponsorship - which in itself pays for one day’s specialist care - IRHH could fund one of its nursing teams around the clock for a whole year.
All walkers will complete the five-mile route from Princes Risborough to Wendover, taking in two peaks: Whiteleaf Cross and Coombe Hill. IRHH will be running a BBQ in Wendover so walkers and their dogs can recharge their batteries and rest their feet. For the first time this year, walkers can then complete the entire 18 mile route by continuing on to the third peak at Ivinghoe Beacon. Local bus company Arriva will provide 10 double-decker buses to givewalkers free transport to Tring to complete the final peak or back to Princes Risborough to collect their cars.
Helen Mariner, head of fundraising at Iain Rennie Hospice at Home said: "Last year 86 dogs took part and we’d like even more to get involved this year. We know dogs are banned from many events and we had very positive feedback last year from owners about the fun they had Walking the Chalk. The event is a great day out for the dogs as they can be let off their leads at many points along the route. All we ask is that people follow the excellent example set last year by clearing up any dog mess and keeping their animals well-hydrated on the day. We’re hoping some dogs will be sponsored too: £150 raised pays for 24 hours care by one of our nurses. We're urging people to sign up early as last year’s event was a sell out."
Marshalls will accompany walkers and there are water stations and portaloos along the route. Entry costs £15 for adults and £7.50 for children - and dogs go free. The charge includes a t-shirt, transport on the day, a fundraising pack and a medal. Walkers will also receive a Jordans Frusili bar as the company is one of the event’s sponsors.
The Chilterns Three Peaks Challenge is IRHH’s largest annual fundraising event: the charity needs £4.8 million each year to help the 1,000 patients and their families it supports and only 9 per cent of its funding comes from the Government.
2012 Sponsors
The team would like to thank all our valued supporters for the assistance and support:
