MALVERN dog-lovers are set to go barking mad for a leukaemia charity’s canine walk later this month.
The event seeks to raise awareness of the disease during Blood Cancer Awareness Month which is marked each September.
Leukaemia CARE, a national blood cancer charity based in Worcester, are inviting man’s best friend and their owners to a dog walk on the Malvern Hills.
Working in partnership with the Malvern Hills Trust and Bark Ltd, the walk is expected to be pawsitively brilliant.
The walk is on Saturday, September 16 from 12pm to 1.30pm and starts at the Link Common on Worcester Road.
Before the walk, attendees can enter their furry friend into competitions for the chance to win some prizes and have a picnic.
There will also be a dog judging event where pooches can enter into categories including waggiest tail, spottiest dog, best spotty costume, best mirror image, most mysterious dog, best pet trick, most glamourous dog, most adorable, scruffiest dog and most unusual dog.
All winners in their individual categories will then be put forward for best in show.
Afterwards people have the choice of two walking routes to suit all dogs.
The shorter route will finish at the Nags Head, and the longer, more adventurous route will end at the Unicorn.
Both walking routes can be found on the Leukaemia CARE Facebook page at www.facebook.com/leukaemiacareuk.
Nick York, a Malvern resident who has been the driving force behind the event, said: “Although many may know what leukaemia is, very few recognise the symptoms and understand the different types of leukaemia that may affect different age groups.
“Consequently, many more cases are diagnosed as an emergency than across cancers in general.”
Early recognition and diagnosis of leukaemia can save lives.
The Leukaemia CARE ‘Spot Leukaemia’ campaign seeks to empower GPs and the public to recognise potential issues that could reduce the number of emergencies by aiding earlier presentation and diagnosis.
Sara Johnson, community fund-raising officer, said, “This is a great opportunity to bring Malvern together for a good cause.
“We’re hoping it will raise awareness of blood cancer within the community, and is sure to get tails wagging.”
Attendees are encouraged to make themselves and their dogs spotty in aid of the charity’s Blood Cancer Awareness Month campaign, Spot Leukaemia, to raise awareness of the symptoms of leukaemia.
Anyone wanting to join in should call 01905 755977 or email [email protected].
