Published on: Monday 29 Feb 2016 at 12:43
St Clare’s record-breaking tenth annual Winter Walkies set tails wagging!
From Labradors to Labradoodles, and Daschunds to Dobermans, more than 100 dogs of all shapes and sizes joined our annual Winter Walkies pooch parade on Sunday (Feb 28).
At the head of the pack was the winner of our Furry Face competition, wonderful Winnie, who led a record-breaking 250 walkers out of the gates for the sponsored 5km countryside stroll.
There were plenty of wagging tails as the excited woofers and their owners set off at 11am, making their way down into Hastingwood and across the beautiful Essex countryside.
The event was sponsored by Forest Veterinary Centre of Epping, Holisticare Pets of Hatfield Broad Oak and Groomalicious Pet Groomers of Harlow who also donated prizes to the raffle. For the third consecutive year, Pawsome Pawtraits pet photographer Vikki Lince, was there to capture the canine capers in action – kindly volunteering her time and expertise to photograph the pawesome spectacle.
Winter Walkies is expected to raise over £4,500 for St Clare once all sponsorship money has been received.
Our Challenge and Events Fundraiser Jade Clarke said: “This was the tenth year we have organised Winter Walkies and it gets more and more popular every year, this time attracting a record number of dogs and their owners.”
“It really was a sight to see so many happy wagging tails held aloft as all the dogs set off out the Hospice gate and it was wonderful to hear the positive comments from those who took part saying what a lovely atmosphere there was among their fellow dog lovers.”
“We’d like to thank everyone who came along or supported the event, helping us raise much-needed funds so we can provide our skilled and compassionate care to every local family who needs us.”
More photos from the lovely Pawesome Pawtraits will be published on our Facebook page as soon as they become available.
Loved being part of Winter Walkies? How about taking part in more unique St Clare events and challenges! Check out our upcoming walks and runs here.
How about volunteering with future St Clare events? You could become a marshal or volunteer in our upcoming events by contacting our Voluntary Services Team on 01279 773 722 or emailvolunteering@stclarehospice.org.uk.
Here’s a selection of the amazing photos taken by Vikki Lince at Pawesome Pawtraits. See the whole collection on our Facebook page!
