Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Jilly (otherwise known as Crufts Best in Show winner 2013) took owner Gavin Robertson and friends on a rather long walk recently.
In fact the group went on a 130-mile walk to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, DogLost and the Kennel Club Charitable Trust.
‘Jilly’s Jolly Jaunt’ involved over 65 walkers and their dogs accompanying Gavin and Jilly for five miles each from the NEC in Birmingham, along the Grand Union Canal, to Great Ormond Street, dropping in at various locations along the way. Among the walkers was Amelia Siddle, who won the Junior Warrant Finals at Crufts with pointer Flo. A talented artist, she also produced the artwork for the event.
The aim was to raise £25,000 and the target was exceeded early on and Gavin is now hoping to reach £40,000 by August 1. As well as fundraising, Gavin also wanted to take the opportunity to promote healthy, happy dogs and showcase some of Britain’s more vulnerable breeds. The Otterhound, Dandie Dinmont, Sealyham, and Skye, Welsh and Glen of Imal Terriers were just a few of the more unusual breeds stepping out, along with many others.
Royal Canin supported the event with a cash donation, supplying clothing for all the walkers, and providing the signwriting for Gavin’s team’s van. Royal Canin breeder business manager Paddy Galvin said: “Jilly is a true champion, and going from Crufts Best In Show to a 130-mile walk just proves it. I think the owners found it harder work than the dogs, but it is a great achievement and we are delighted to have been involved in fundraising for such good causes.”
Readers can donate to Jilly’s Jolly Jaunt at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Jillysjaunt
