April 13 2016.


Jacqui Crosthwaite from Seaford is taking on an impressive challenge to walk from London to Brighton to raise funds for Dog Assistance in Disability (Dog A.I.D.), a charity which helps people with disabilities train their pet dog to Assistance Dog level.

Jacqui is a part-time dental nurse and was asked to join what is known as ‘The UK’s Greatest Endurance Challenge’ by a dog walking friend. Having never done anything like this before, Jacqui rose to the occasion and agreed.

The event starts on Saturday the 28th of May in Richmond, then takes in the North and South Downs before finishing in Brighton on Sunday the 29th. Participants walk through the day and night taking in amazing local scenery, with over 60% of the route being off-road.

Jacqui, who has two rescue lurchers called Jerry and Mowgli, said: “This event will put me out of my comfort zone, but I am totally ready for it.

"I chose to raise funds for Dog A.I.D., as dogs trained to help people with disabilities are truly amazing. Dogs are such wonderful animals who enrich our lives so much, I couldn’t imagine a home without one, or two.”

Dog A.I.D. was established in the 1990’s and there are currently 57 fully-qualified dogs throughout the country. Training takes from 18 months to two years, with both dog and owner receiving specialist education from a network of trainers based around the country. The dog owner is given all the tools required to constantly reinforce training methods learnt and also continue to teach their dog new cues and tasks independently.

To support Jacqui visit https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/jacquicrosthwaite1.

For further information how you can support Dog A.I.D. via fundraising or volunteering visit www.dogaid.org.uk