University of Chester students encourage dog-owners to walk the walls for Guide Dogs

Jul 14 2011 by Katie Bamber, Chester Chronicle

ANIMAL-loving students from the University of Chester encouraged dog owners and their four-legged friends to Paws on the Walls in aid of guide dogs.

Katie Boulton, Jacqui Gunn, Jade Hooper and Sarah Pye organised the event after the Chester Guide Dogs branch approached the university appealing for volunteers.

Heavy rain failed to dampen spirits as 22 people turned up with their pets to walk the famous city walls for the cause.

Second year animal behaviour and psychology student Katie, from Tamworth, said: “I have been involved with raising money and awareness for the Guide Dogs for many years now and so when I heard the Chester Guide Dogs fundraising branch was looking for volunteers, I offered to organise the Paws on the Walls event with three friends.

“It was a great turnout on the day, even though it turned out to be one of the wettest days that Chester has experienced in quite a while. We raised almost £300 for the Guide Dogs charity, which was a great achievement.”

Entrants paid a donation of £5 to take part in the fundraiser, which was part of the national Go Walkies for Guide Dogs appeal. Every participant received a free goody bag filled with a special collar tag and treats for their canine companion.

Cathy Limb, North Wales and Cheshire district fundraiser for Guide Dogs, said: “Guide Dogs receive no government funding and rely entirely on the generosity of the public to provide their vital services.

“Every penny raised will help to make a life-changing difference to blind and partially sighted people.”