The Great British Dog Walk returns to Newton Mearns

The walk was previously meant to take place in the spring but due to the pandemic the charity was forced to postpone. However, instead of scrapping the walk entirely this year, organisers have decided to press on with a virtual event in the hope of being able to raise much-needed funds.

The event is run by national assistance dog charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, and it hopes to raise as much money as possible to train dogs to alert deaf people to important life-saving sounds such as smoke alarms, intruder alarms, alarm clocks and cooker timers.

The Virtual Great British Dog Walk is a fantastic way for people of all ages to help change deaf people’s lives while staying safe in their bubbles of no more than six and getting some fresh air and exercise.

Entrants simply sign up, pick a walking route, of any length, choose a date to complete their route until Sunday 8 November, and set off.

This year funds which will be raised through sponsorship and entrance fee will go towards training a new hearing dog puppy called Oscar. The cocker spaniel has just started his training journey which will take two years to complete and will cost around £40,000 including support throughout his life. As the charity relies on donations, every walker will be helping to transform the life of a deaf person.

John Stewart, audiologist at Specsavers in Newton Mearns, said: “The new Virtual Great British Dog Walk is an excellent way for people to have fun, get some exercise, enjoy the great outdoors - with or without a dog - all while supporting a fantastic cause, which is particularly important at a time when more deaf people than ever have approached Hearing Dogs for help. What’s more, as well as raising vital funds, there’s so many benefits to mental health by walking outside with a pet too.

“If every person who walked the Virtual Great British Dog Walk raised an extra £10 by getting themselves or their dog sponsored the charity could fully train another dog to alert deaf people to important and life-saving sounds that they would otherwise miss, and help them to leave loneliness behind.

“We’re so proud of our involvement in the Great British Dog Walk and the fact that it directly helps to transform the lives of deaf people.”

Gill Yeates, Hearing Dogs national community fundraising manager, adds: “Every walker will directly help us to train more dogs to change the lives of deaf people, so we greatly appreciate the support. We also want to thank Specsavers Audiologists, for their support and for recognising the important roles our dogs play in people’s lives.”

Entry is £10, which will help the charity to train more life-changing hearing dogs, and entrants will receive a stylish bandana for their dog, a virtual medal, certificate and a fun activity pack of things to do during their walk as well as entry into a free prize draw. If they wish, walkers can also raise sponsorship with those receiving a thank you gift for raising between £25 and £50 or a free hearing dog puppy sponsorship for raising £100 or more.

To sign-up to the Great British Dog Walk or for more information visit www.greatbritishdogwalk.org.