National charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’s much-loved Great British Dog Walk is back and it’s returning to Holyrood Park, Edinburgh on Sunday 25th March.
The series of dog walks is firmly established as a UK favourite among Britain’s dog-loving nation. Over 150 dogs of all shapes and sizes and around 350 adults, children and families are expected to take part in this year’s event at Holyrood Park, Edinburgh.
There are two options of walks on the day – either 5km or 6.5km routes making it an ideal event for dog-lovers, families, walkers and organised walking groups.
The Great British Dog Walk at Holyrood Park, Edinburgh is one of 20 fun-filled walks taking place around the UK helping to ensure more hearing dogs can be trained to bring life-changing benefits to deaf people and help them reconnect with their family, friends, and community around them, like local Hearing Dog recipient Alison Macdonald. Originally from Aberdeen but now living in Edinburgh, Alison was successfully matched with a Poodle called Fergus. They have an incredibly strong bond and Fergus found fame having appeared on STV news, when Alison gave an interview about her life with Fergus.
Alison, who now lives in Musselburgh, has been profoundly deaf since birth and feels her life changed for the better when she met her hearing dog Fergus. Alison says: “I cannot imagine my life without Fergus, he makes me feel safe when I’m at home and more confident when I’m out. Fergus alerts me to things such as the fire alarm, cooker timer and the doorbell.”
Community Fundraising Manager for Scotland, Lisa Armstrong, says: “We are delighted to bring The Great British Dog Walk back to Edinburgh for a second year. We train hearing dog puppies in Edinburgh and can’t wait for the walk and the opportunity tell everyone more about the charity. Last year we had around 250 adult walkers and over 25 dogs of all shapes and sizes take part and this year we are hoping to beat that number! We will have a fantastic dog show as well as a home baking stand and a Hearing Dog sound-work demonstration – plus, participants are welcomed to bring a picnic to enjoy after the walk.”
There is a free limited-edition Great British Dog Walk doggie bandana for each adult ticket purchased and a chance to meet some of the amazing Hearing Dogs. There will also be fun activities for all the family, as well as stalls with gifts and refreshments.
To sign-up to the Holyrood Park, Edinburgh Great British Dog Walk, or for more information on all of our walks, visit http://www.greatbritishdogwalk.org/
Tickets to each event are £10 in advance or £12 on the day. Children under 16 are free. Shorter routes are suitable for parents with buggies, please check the website for details (please note, this does not apply to all walks).
