Dog owners in Bath are being encouraged to get involved in a four-legged fundraising challenge this spring in aid of Cancer Research UK.
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Together with their furry friends, people are asked to walk 60 miles throughout April to raise money for Stand Up To Cancer, the joint fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4.
The Stand Up To Cancer Dog Walking Challenge, supported by and launched at Crufts, asks people and their canine counterparts to clock up the distance, or whatever represents a personal challenge, over the course of the month.
To help fundraisers walk in style, everyone who signs up will receive a free dog bandana.
For those who want to ensure they’re fully kitted out for the challenge, a range of products from dog beds and cushions to bobble hats, will be available from the Stand Up To Cancer shop later this month.
Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the South West, Ali Birkett, said: “‘Walkies’ has always been a powerful word, but now we’re giving it new meaning.
“With around 36,800 people diagnosed with cancer every year in the region*, we’re asking the dog walking community to do something ‘paw-some’ this April that could help make the next research breakthrough happen.
“There are lots of benefits to taking part in our dog walking challenge, not least the chance to improve your fitness while raising vital funds.
“We need as many people as possible to take part, because the progress we make in the fight against the disease relies on every person, every pound – and now every pet pooch. Now is the time to Stand Up To Cancer.”
Stand Up To Cancer takes developments from the lab and accelerates them into new tests and treatments that could help save the lives of more people in the South West and across the UK.
The campaign is helping to transform the landscape of cancer therapy.
Since its launch in the UK in 2012, it has raised more than £113 million, funding 64 clinical trials and research projects involving more than 13,000 cancer patients.
Ali added: “From developing a molecule to super-charge the immune system to attack tumours, to re-programming viruses to seek and destroy cancer cells, when it comes to beating cancer our tireless scientists are like a dog with a bone.”
You can sign up for the Stand Up To Cancer ‘Walkies’ challenge at su2c.org.uk/walkies.
