Doggy Dash For Life raises over £4,000 for cancer research

Photo: Diane Green

Doggy Dash for Life winners Samantha Raby, son Emerson with their dog, Mika

The seventh annual Doggy Dash For Life at Hollingworth Lake on Sunday (9 April) has so far raised over £4,000 towards cancer research, with more donations to follow.

The Dash was won by Samantha Raby and her son Emerson with their dog, Mika. Melissa Dabrowski, dressed in a pink bunny outfit, won best dressed with her whippet, Rex, and dachshund, Rosie.

Over 80 dogs took part on the sunny day, and Kath O’Donnell, one of The Three Amigos Fundraising Group, said the day "couldn’t have gone any better". She added: “We’ve raised in excess of a magnificent £4,000: this is the most we’ve ever raised for this event so far.”

This year the event was held in loving memory of Nigel Hunter, who lost his battle with bowel cancer on 4 December 2016.

His wife, Debbie, cut a pink ribbon to start the Dash and a round of applause was held for Nigel.

Nigel, who lived in Littleborough, had previously taken part in the Doggy Dash several times with Debbie, and even came second with their border terrier, Arran, in 2012.

Goody bags, rosettes, a tombola and a raffle were on offer, with donations from sponsors Crown Vets, Ad Mannum Consultants, Royal Canin, Burns Pet Nutrition, Fish For Dogs, Protexin, Naylors, Cobby Dogs, Kong, Tuff-E-Nuff, Global Herbs, Buff, Finders Brands, Pet Fleas, Harringtons, Matchmakers, Godfrey, Scruffs, Armitage, Vivadogs, Sue Westwood and Ruttledge photography.