Canine capers at Eastertime

Members of St George's Church in Stalybridge and their canine friends are taking part in a sponsored walk throughout the 50 days of Eastertide.

The pups and their owners are raising funds which will be split 50/50 between St George’s Church and Tameside, Oldham and Glossop Mind.  

The walk has been initiated by the vicar of St George’s dog, Buddy, the border terrier. 

Revd Penny Warner said: “Buddy can’t wait to get going on his challenge and is delighted that his human and canine friends from St George’s are taking part too!" 

STRIDING OUT: Revd Penny Warner and Buddy.

She added: “St George’s would normally have a spring fair to raise funds for church but we’re unable to do so this year. We decided that a sponsored challenge would be a good way to raise funds for church and to enjoy the beauty of new life and spring during the days when we are celebrating Easter. 

“Dogs (and other animals) are great supporters of our mental health too, and so in doing this activity we also want to support TOG Mind who have been and are continuing to do a brilliant job in supporting our mental health across our communities in creative and helpful ways.” 

OUT AND ABOUT: Lyndsay and Mabel.

Val Fallows, one of the churchwardens at St George’s Church is giving Buddy a helping hand, managing the Buddy and Buddies’ Sponsored Walkies group on Facebook, where entrants can send photos and stories about their walking and invite sponsorship. 

Entrants, some with their dogs, and some without, are committing to walking between 5,000 metres and 300 miles over 50 days. 

Each will walk separately, as, when, and where suits them. They will record their journeys via step counters and apps. So far, 12 humans and eight dogs are taking part.

STROLL: Lynn and Ava.

You can sponsor the event online via the St George’s Church, Stalybridge Easyfundraising donate button at www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/stgeorgeschurchstalybridge/donate  

You can leave a message of support and can also join the Buddy and Buddies’ Sponsored Walkies group on Facebook to see how Buddy and friends are getting on. 

Main image:

WALKIES: Val, Molly and Daisy.

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