Walk in the park for pooches at fundraiser

Around 220 pooches, of all breeds and sizes, and their owners took part in the annual Woofs and Wellies event organised by The Rowans Hospice.The event has been running for seven years and for the first time was held at Queen Elizabeth Country Park.Families were able to complete a 3km or 6km walk while raising money for the Purbrook-based hospice.Vicki Jones, from Denmead, took her springer spaniel Chilli Chops.She said: ‘We have taken part in the walk before and I think it is a really nice way to support the Rowans.‘I like the new location of Queen Elizabeth Country Park because there is a lot more space. It is just a great event to be a part of.’Tony and Marie Robb took their cockerpoo Cooper to the walk. The couple, from Clanfield, were taking part for the first time.Marie said: ‘We have lost a few people through cancer recently so we have spent time at the Rowans’ Living Well Centre.‘We know how brilliant the work they do is and we wanted to support them.‘This event seemed like a fun way to spend a morning while also raising money.’In the last seven years, the Woofs and Wellies event has raised around £53,000.The hospice hope yesterday’s event will raise £8,000.Anne Baily, from Cowplain, was at the walk with her cross-breed pooch Crista, a rescue dog from the streets of Greece.She said: ‘I have only had Crista four months and I thought it was a lovely fundraiser we could do together.‘It is great seeing so many other people here.‘The walk is a wonderful thing for the Rowans to hold.’Gemma Carden, events fundraiser, said she was pleased with the number of people and how much the day raised.‘This walk is great,’ she said.‘The dogs love it and it a nice family event that everyone can join in with.’