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Hundreds of people and their dogs are being invited to step out at picturesque Ightham Mote today for the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People this weekend.
The charity's Great British Dog Walk will be held at the National Trust's Ightham Mote near Borough Green on Saturday, May 13 at 11am.
Some 250 people and more than 150 dogs are expected to take part. There will be 8km and 3km routes.
The walk is one of 20 walks taking place around the UK to help ensure more hearing dogs can be trained to bring life-transforming benefits to deaf children and adults like Catherine Broughton from Hawkhurst, Kent.
Catherine said: “Having Beni as my constant companion has restored my confidence, which I lost along with my hearing. I no longer worry about missing the doorbell, burning the dinner or not responding to texts on my mobile, as Beni alerts me to all the sounds I need for my safety.
"When we’re out and about together his Hearing Dog uniform not only flags up my disability but also sparks conversations about what part he plays in my life. I’m so looking forward to the Great British Dog Walks this year as opportunities to both increase the profile of these amazing dogs and to raise essential funds enabling the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People charity to continue its vocation transforming peoples’ lives."
Davina Morgans, community fundraising manager for Kent, said: “We are really excited that The Great British Dog Walk is being held at Ightham Mote for the first time. I’m really looking forward to welcoming lots of people to this fun day out that can be enjoyed by all the family – even if you don’t have a dog.”
There will be refreshments, games and craft stalls on offer, plus the chance to meet local hearing dog partnerships and watch the hearing dog demonstration team.
Walkers can also bring a picnic to enjoy after the walk and there is a free special limited-edition Great British Dog Walk doggie bandana.
Entry is £10 on the day with under 16s free. Details at greatbritishdogwalk.org The event is supported by MedicAnimal.
