Last weekend 800 animal lovers and their dogs travelled to Eridge Park in Tunbridge Wells to take part in Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s Muddy Dog Challenge.
The event, which is supported by LV= raised an incredible £66,000, which will go towards the vital care of the animals that come into the charity.
The Tunbridge Wells Muddy Dog Challenge was made up of 18 obstacles suitable for both humans and four-legged friends to crawl, climb, wade and jump through with the option of taking part in 2.5k or 5k course.
Participants included Battersea Ambassador and internationally renowned model, David Gandy, who took part with his ex-Battersea dog, Dora.
David said: “This is the third time I’ve taken part in the Muddy Dog Challenge. Dora absolutely loves it. It’s been a great day seeing everyone muck in, and of course, raising money for charity. It’s great that we’ve raised lots of money this weekend so that Battersea can continue to help the thousands of animals that come in every year.”
Geraldine Bird also took part on Saturday with former Battersea dog, Teddy. The Jack Russell Yorkshire Terrier cross is three years old and was adopted by Geraldine to help with residents at Oak Lodge residential home where she works.
The residential home is for people with learning and physical disabilities based near the South Downs in East Sussex. Teddy has become part of the home with the residents taking him for a walk every day, bringing joy to everyone’s lives.
Other participants included the ‘Farningham Frolickers’ who took part in the challenge dressed as the Mystery Gang from Scooby Doo.
Su Hewitt, who was dressed as Velma, said: “We thought we’d dress up for the occasion as this is the second time we’ve done the Muddy Dog Challenge. We held a pop-up tea party for the local villages which raised over £1,000, so it’s been great.”
Registration for the remaining Muddy Dog Challenge events in Peterborough and Manchester is now closed, but you can keep checking the website for more information about next year’s events soon at www.battersea.org.uk.
